Systems and methods for generating and applying biomimicry tear films

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are provided for generating and applying artificial tear film layers to a cornea surface. An example method includes forming an artificial tear film that is optically transparent, ultra-thin, and smoothly conforming to cornea surface. The artificial tear film includes a lipid layer that prevents evaporation of moisture from the cornea (e.g., from the underlying aqueous layer of the artificial tear film, and/or from the natural tear film on the cornea, etc.). A dispenser, such as an atomizer/nebulizer/micronizer, can be used to generate and applying the artificial tear film layers, especially the lipid layer, with reduced dispensing volume and average droplet size, etc., such that the deposit thickness of the artificial tear film layers remains thin and better spreads and conforms to the surface of the cornea, as compared to the results of conventional eye droppers dispensing conventional artificial tears.

PRIORITY CLAIMS AND RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.16/464,631, filed May 28, 2019, which is a national phase application ofPCT Application No. PCT/US2019/034008 filed May 24, 2019, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/679,154, filed Jun.1, 2018, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD

The present description relates generally to systems and methods forgenerating and applying artificial tear film layers (e.g., a biomimicrytear film, one or more layers of a biomimicry tear film, etc.) onto acornea.

BACKGROUND

A healthy tear film is integral to the overall health of eyes andvision. The tear film covers an ocular surface of the eye including thecornea in a thin fluid layer approximately 3 μm thick and approximately3 μL in volume. The tear film thus functions as an interface between theocular surface and an outside environment, functioning to polish thecorneal surface, mechanically trap and flush out foreign bodies andchemicals, inhibit growth of microorganisms, and reduce surface frictionassociated with eyelid blinking and eye movement.

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a condition characterized by eyes, which donot produce enough tears, or produce low-quality tears (that is, tearswhich fail to form a stable tear film or which evaporate too fast).Symptoms of DES include eye redness, irritation, itchiness, pain,swollen eyelids, blurred vision, and eye discomfort from contact lenses.DES is highly prevalent, and constitutes a primary reason for eye doctorvisits. Nearly half of Americans aged 18 and older experience symptomsof DES. Further, DES is typically chronic, often requiring long-termmanagement.

There is thus great needs for treatment methods and associated apparatusto improve the condition and comfort of the eyes.

SUMMARY

The majority of DES diagnoses are characterized as either evaporativedry eye, in which lipid deficiencies cause the tear film to evaporate ata faster than normal rate, or aqueous tear deficiency, whereinsufficient tear volume is produced. Treatments typically target one ofthese two types of DES. One example treatment includes adding artificialtear drops (e.g., omega-3 or mineral oil enriched artificial tear dropsor emulsions) to increase the tear volume. A second example involvesblocking tear ducts temporarily using small silicone, or gel-like, plugsto retain tears in the eye. A third example instead blocks tear ductspermanently by a surgical procedure to retain tears in the eye. A fourthexample includes adding eye drops or ointments to decrease inflammationon or around the eye. In a fifth example, DES caused by a blockage ofthe Meibomian gland (MG) has been treated using a device whichsimultaneously delivers a vectored thermal pulse, or a combination ofheating and massaging, to an interior of the eyelid, and a therapeuticmotion to an exterior of the eyelid. As a sixth example,neurostimulation may be utilized to increase tear production in theaqueous layer of the tear film.

However, it is herein recognized that there are numerous shortcomings tothe aforementioned treatments. For instance, the small silicone plugsmay be uncomfortable and may cause inflammation. As another example,surgical procedures may be expensive and may result in complications.Treatments based on eye drops and ointments may be messy andinconvenient, as excessive liquids or ointments may result intemporarily blurred vision, stained clothing, and/or ruined makeup.Omega-3 or mineral oil enriched artificial tear drops or emulsions mayhave difficulty forming a stable tear film on the cornea of the eye, dueto an inability of such drops or emulsions to adhere to the surface ofthe cornea in an even manner. The device-based treatment described aboveonly treats clogged MGs, is costly (e.g., up to $1500 per treatment),does not offer much in the way of improvement for individuals withsignificant loss of the MG, and relief is typically of a limitedduration (e.g., from one week to 3-6 months). Neurostimulation asmentioned above may increase tear production, but suffers from a failureto stimulate lipid or mucin production, thereby limiting the utilitythereof.

The inventors have identified the above problems and herein providesystems and methods to at least partially address them.

Various embodiments of systems and methods for treating DES areprovided. More particularly, Systems and methods for generating andapplying biomimicry tear films that mimic the natural tear film layersare provided herein.

Tear film is made up of three layers secreted by various glands andtissues. Furthest removed from the cornea is a lipid layer, or oillayer. The lipid layer functions to seal and stabilize the tear film,thereby helping to reduce tear evaporation. A middle aqueous layerfunctions to lubricate the eye, wash away debris, and prevent infection.Another layer closest or adjacent to the cornea, is a mucin layer. Themucin layer allows the aqueous layer to spread evenly over the surfaceof the cornea, helps the eye to remain moist and lubricated, providesthe cornea with nourishment, and helps tears adhere to the surface ofthe cornea.

In various embodiments, the generated and applied biomimicry tear filmsinclude multiple layers, which can be optically transparent, ultrathin,biomechanically stable, evenly and smoothly conformal to the corneasurface. In one example, the biomimicry tear films include an outerbiomimicry lipid layer, a middle biomimicry aqueous layer, and an innerbiomimicry adhesive layer. The layer thickness of these one or morelayers generated and applied can range from a few molecular to a fewmicrons o even up to 250 microns.

In various embodiments, the biomimicry lipid layer that mimics thenatural lipid layer of natural tear film, which can comprises one ormore lipophilic compositions and functions as a lipophilic barrier toprevent tear evaporation. In various embodiments, the biomimicry lipidlayer comprising one or more biomimicry tear components selected from agroup comprising phospholipids (e.g., sphingomyelin,phosphatidylcholine), cholesterols, cholesterol esters, triglycerides,castor oil, mineral oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, other naturally orsynthetic oil, unsaturated lipids, hyaluronic acid, soy oil, petrolatum,waxes, anhydrous lanolin, lanolin, oleaginous ingredients, liposomes,ophthalmic emollients, demulcents, and synthetic materials which may beused to substitute/replace the natural human lipid layer. Further, thelipid composition may include one or more lipid-soluble vitamins (e.g.,vitamin E, vitamin A).

In various embodiments, the biomimicry aqueous layer that mimics thenatural aqueous layer of natural tear film, which functions to lubricatethe eye, wash away particles, provide nutrition and prevent infection.In various embodiments, the biomimicry aqueous layer comprises anaqueous solution. In various embodiments, the biomimicry aqueous layercomprises an isotonic aqueous solution and may include one or morebiomimicry tear components including but not limited to water and one ormore electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate,magnesium, and calcium). In various embodiments, the aqueous layer maycomprise antibacterial substances such as water-soluble antibiotics suchlincomycin, neomycin, spectromycin and penicillin, and water-solubleproteins such as lysozyme, betalysin and lactoferrin, that haveantibacterial properties

In various embodiments, the biomimicry adhesive layer that mimics thenatural adhesive layer, which functions to adhere to or interact withthe lipophilic cornea surface as a thin and smoother layer that forlayering on the hydrophilic biomimicry aqueous layer. In variousembodiments, the biomimicry adhesive layer comprising bipolar moleculesthat are lipophilic on one end for adhering to the cornea surface andhydrophilic on the other end for receiving or layering on the biomimicryaqueous layer. In various embodiments, the adhesive layer comprisingamphipathic molecule that has both a hydrophilic and hydrophobiccomponent, such as a phospholipid and membrane protein. In variousembodiments, the adhesive layer comprising composition that may includeone or more biomimicry tear components comprising membrane-spanningmucins (e.g., MUC5AC) and/or mucin-like proteins or molecules. Themucins or mucin-like proteins or molecules may contain a cytoplasmicdomain (e.g., a hydrophilic domain which may reach inside a cornealepithelial cell), a membrane-spanning domain (e.g., a hydrophobic domainwhich may span a membrane of the corneal epithelial cell), and anextracellular domain (e.g., a hydrophilic domain which may remainoutside of the cornea).

Various systems and methods can be used to generate and apply biomimicrytear films.

In some embodiments, a method and a device for treating DES involvesgenerating small droplets of artificial tears or components ofartificial tear and applying the produced small droplets of artificialtears or artificial tear components to form a conformal layer on thesurface of eyes to serve as artificial tears or biomimicry tears. Invarious embodiments generating small droplets of artificial tears orartificial tear components comprising vaporizing a liquid, solid orsemisolid material (e.g., at the time of applying the artificial tear tothe cornea), such that there is no premixing of the respectivecompositions of the different tear film layers prior to application ofthe artificial tear to the eye.

In various embodiments, the device includes an atomizer or nebulizer. Invarious embodiments, the small droplets of tears or tear components aremicrometer sized droplets. In various embodiments, the method includesthe steps of generating and depositing multiple layers of materials onthe surface of the eyes, layer by layer (e.g., within a threshold amountof time of each other (e.g., after the previous layer is formed andbefore it disintegrates due to other disruptions (e.g., due to blinking,evaporation, or draining away into the tear duct))). In variousembodiments, the method includes the steps of: (1) Using the device tonebulize a first composition to form a first vapor containing smallparticles (e.g., micro-sized particles) of the first composition,delivering the first vapor to the eyes to form a first conformal layerof material on the surface of the eyes. In various embodiments, thefirst composition comprises one or more compounds that adhere to corneasurfaces (“Adhesive Material”). In various embodiments, the firstcomposition comprises a compound selected from the group consisting ofhydrophilic compound, amphiphilic compound, amphoteric compound. Invarious embodiments, the first composition may additionally comprise oneor more compounds, materials or cells that help to the nourish, heal thecornea, or treat the cornea or the entire eye, such as stem cells,minerals, antioxidants (e.g., vitamin E), vitamins (e.g., vitamin A),anti-inflammatory compounds (e.g., steroid, NSAID), antibodies oranti-microbial. (2) Using the device to nebulize a second composition toform a second vapor containing small particles (e.g., micro-sizedparticles) of the second composition, delivering the second vapor to theeyes to form a second conformal layer of material on the surface of theeyes over the first conformal layer. In various embodiments, the secondcomposition comprises an aqueous solution such as isotonic buffersolution and over the counter artificial tear. (3) Using the device tonebulize a third composition to form a third vapor containing smallparticles (e.g., micro-sized particles) of the third composition,delivering the third vapor to the eyes to form a third conformal layerof material on the surface of the eyes over the second conformal layer.In various embodiments, the third composition comprises hydrophobicmaterials. In various embodiments, the third composition may compriseflaxseed oil, DHA, omega-3 fatty acid, or materials derived fromflaxseed oil, DHA, and omega-3 fatty acid.

Comparing with traditional eye drops or ointment, the new methodprovides a more uniform, much thinner and more stable tear film that issimilar to real tear. In addition, it can be more enriched withelectrolytes and proteins like in real tear do or utilize high viscositymaterials that currently not used in eye drops. The optical transparencyis still fairly good with a very thin layer thickness, for example froma molecule to submicron.

In some embodiments, a device can generate vapors and form coatingsbeing utilized for biomimicry tears. The device includes: an atomizationmodule which can turn materials from liquid to vapor; a reservoir modulethat contains the liquid materials; a vapor emit/spray module, likenozzle, that direct vapors to from coating on the target objects; apower module and some electronics to switch the device on and off, etc.In some embodiments, the atomization function can utilize ultrasonic,piezoelectric, or Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS), othermechanism. In some embodiments, the device can work with liquidmaterials with various viscosities, from 1 cp (. e.g., water) to 200 cp(e.g., oil-like fluid). In some embodiments, the droplet size can befrom sub-micron, 1 micron to 100 um.

In some embodiments, biomimicry tears consist of one or more layers ofmaterials, which can form a conformal coating on the surface of the eye.Like real human tears, the materials of layers can include: an Adhesivelayer: It can be a high molecular weight material, a single cell layer,or stem cell, a protein layer that provides adhesion for biomimicrytears on corneal epithetical surface. This layer is hydrophilic; anAqueous layer: It can be a watery layer that provides moisture,nourishment and protection to the cornea; and an Oil layer: A layer ontop of the aqueous layer to hold the shape of the tear film stably (byprovide enough surface tension) and protection to prevent aqueous layerevaporate too quickly. In some embodiments, each material will bepackaged individually with multiple of such packages in the reservoirmodule. Because the new applying method, a coating of thin layers, thebiomimicry tears can a mixture liquid that offers the functions of allthose three layers, adhesion, nourishment, lubrication and protection.In some embodiments, each layer thickness can be from a single moleculelayer to a few microns. In some embodiments, ingredients in the filmmaterials can include but not limited to Carboxymethylcellulose sodium,dextran, glycerin, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400),polysorbate, povidone, or propylene glycol, etc.

In some embodiments, package of the materials includes the followingfeatures: (a) the liquid materials can be packaged into disposablecapsules that placed in the reservoir module. Once the liquids are used,the capsules will be replaced; and (b) The reservoir module can bedesigned for multiple usages as well. It can contain one or a fewcavities for various liquid materials which can be refilled. In someembodiments, one or more replaceable and disposable capsules includesadditional ingredients, such as medication, nourishments, lubricants,that are added to or premixed with a respective composition from anothercapsule inside a processing chamber of the dispensing apparatus (e.g.,an atomizer), before the composition is dispensed onto the surface ofthe cornea or a previously applied tear film layer.

In some embodiments, a camera module can be added on the device tocapture the image of the eye before and after coating biomimicry tearsto monitor the syndromes of dry eye disease. In some embodiments, thecamera monitors the application of each artificial tear film layer, toensure that a previous layer is properly formed (e.g., with sufficientcoverage and thickness) before the composition for the next layer of theartificial tear is dispensed onto the eye.

In some embodiments, a method of treating dry eye, includes:sequentially applying a plurality of distinct compositions to a surfacethat corresponds to a cornea of an eye (e.g., the convex surface of thecornea or a concave surface of a substrate (e.g., a coated MEMS deviceor contact lens) used to deliver the preformed multilayer artificialtear film on to the cornea), wherein the plurality of distinctcompositions include at least a first composition, a second composition,and a third composition, and sequentially applying the plurality ofdistinct compositions to the surface includes: applying a first amountof the first composition to the surface that corresponds to the corneaof the eye, wherein the first amount of the first composition isdistributed on the surface to form a first film layer of the firstcomposition; applying a second amount of the second composition to thefirst film layer of the first composition that has been formed on thesurface that corresponds to the cornea of the eye to form a second filmlayer of the second composition; and applying a third amount of thethird composition to the second film layer of the second composition toform a third film layer of the third composition over the second filmlayer of the second composition, wherein the first film layer and thethird film layer respectively correspond to a lipid layer and a mucinlayer of a biomimicry tear film for the eye and the second film layercorresponds to an aqueous layer of the biomimicry tear film for the eye.

In some embodiments, sequentially applying the plurality of distinctcompositions to the surface that corresponds to the cornea of the eyeincludes: generating a respective mist for each of the firstcomposition, the second composition, and the third composition; andsequentially exposing the cornea of the eye to the respective mist foreach of the first composition, the second composition, and the thirdcomposition.

In some embodiments, sequentially applying the plurality of distinctcompositions to the surface that corresponds to the cornea of the eyeincludes: forming the mucin layer of the biomimicry tear film directlyon the cornea using the first composition; forming the aqueous layer ofthe biomimicry tear film on the mucin layer of the biomimicry tear filmusing the second composition; and forming the lipid layer of thebiomimicry tear on the aqueous layer of the biomimicry tear film usingthe third composition.

In some embodiments, the first composition includes mucin or mucin-likeproteins or molecules; the second composition includes water and one ormore electrolytes; and the third composition comprises one or more ofphospholipids, cholesterols, cholesterol esters, triglycerides, castoroil, mineral oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, unsaturated lipids, hyaluronicacid, soy oil, petrolatum, waxes, anhydrous lanolin, lanolin, oleaginousingredients, liposomes, ophthalmic emollients, demulcents, and syntheticmaterials.

In some embodiments, prior to applying each of the first composition,the second composition, and the third composition, the method includesadjusting a respective dispensing parameter of an atomizer used to applythe first composition, the second composition, and the third compositionin accordance with user input (e.g., through built-in input interface onthe dispensing device, or an application on a mobile device, oraccording to instructions from a remote server).

In some embodiments, the respective dispensing parameter includes aparameter selected from a dispensing quantity (e.g., differentquantities of different compositions are determined based on user inputregarding the reason for the patient's dry eye and the conditions of thepatient's natural tears), a dispensing duration (e.g., differentdurations are determined for different compositions based on theirviscosities, and the quantities that need to be dispensed), a dispensingrate (e.g., based on user input regarding user tolerance and comfort,and the viscosities of the compositions), a dispensing energy level(e.g., based on characteristics of the compositions and patient comfortlevels), a droplet size (e.g., based on characteristics of thecompositions and film formation requirements for the differentcompositions), a spray speed (e.g., based on characteristics of thecompositions (e.g., evaporation rate and film formation requirements)),a spray angle (e.g., based on characteristics of the cornea (e.g.,presence of wound, shape, etc.)), a spray distance (e.g., based oncharacteristics of the compositions and the droplet sizes, etc.), acoverage area size (e.g., based on the receiving subject (e.g., coveragearea may be smaller (e.g., with shorter spray distance and slower sprayspeed) when spraying the mucin layer directly on the cornea, and may begreater when spraying the lipid layer on the aqueous layer (e.g., withgreater spray distance and greater spraying speed)) of the sprays), andequivalents thereof.

In some embodiments, the method includes: prior to applying a respectiveone of the first composition, the second composition, and the thirdcomposition, adding one or more additional ingredients to the respectiveone of the first composition, the second composition, and the thirdcomposition in accordance with one or more customization instructions(e.g., received from the user through an application or remote server).In some embodiments, the one or more additional ingredients include oneor more medication (e.g., anti-inflammation medication, antibodies,etc.). In some embodiments, the one or more additional ingredientsinclude one or more vitamins (e.g., supplements that nourishes,increases comforts, etc.).

In some embodiments, the method includes selecting the respective one ofthe first composition, the second composition, and the third compositionto add the one or more additional ingredients based on one or moreproperties of the additional ingredients (e.g., depending on thesolubility and interactivity between the additional ingredients and eachof the compositions).

In some embodiments, the first composition, the second composition, andthe third composition are applied using a single device containingrespective composition chambers for each of the first, second, and thirdcompositions, and a single dispensing apparatus, wherein the singledispensing apparatus is configured to adjust a dispensing parameter(e.g., dispensing speed, mixing time and speed, droplet size, etc.)based on which composition chamber of the single device is currentlyconnected to the single dispensing apparatus. In some embodiments, theadditional ingredients are included in additional chambers of the singledevice and may be exchanged depending on needs of the patients.

In some embodiments, wherein the first composition, the secondcomposition, and the third composition are applied using a single devicethat dispenses the first, second, and third compositions usingrespective dispensing apparatus with distinct dispensing parameterscorresponding to the first, second, and third compositions. For example,each composition has its own dispensing nozzle and optionally mixingchambers that is attached to the single device at the time of use.

In some embodiments, sequentially applying a plurality of distinctcompositions to a surface that corresponds to a cornea of an eyeincludes: receiving, via a controller (e.g., implemented by one or moreprocessors and memory (or another non-transitory computer-readablemedium) storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the oneor more processors, cause the processors to perform the operations ofthe methods described herein) of an atomizer, instructions pertaining toatomizing one of the first composition into a first spray mist, thesecond composition into a second spray mist, and the third compositioninto a third spray mist; routing one of the first composition, thesecond composition and the third composition into a process chamber ofthe atomizer based on the instructions; commanding, based on theinstructions, a speed of a motor of an air pump to route an air flowinto the process chamber; and where air and one of the firstcomposition, the second composition and the third composition exit theprocess chamber as one of the first spray mist, the second spray mistand the third spray mist, respectively, for application to the cornea ofthe eye (e.g., directly on the surface of the cornea or on a previouslyapplied film layer on the surface of the cornea).

In some embodiments, the instructions pertaining to atomizing one of thefirst composition, the second composition and the third composition arereceived at the controller from a customization applicationcommunicatively coupled to the controller (e.g., through a wirelessconnection or a wired connection).

In some embodiments, air and one of the first composition, the secondcomposition and the third composition exit the process chamber via anozzle, where a radius of the nozzle is adjustable; and wherein thecontroller further receives instructions for adjusting the radius of thenozzle as a function of the first composition, the second compositionand the third composition (e.g., in accordance with respectiveviscosities of the first, second, and third compositions).

In some embodiments, the set of instructions pertain to one or more of adesired amount of the composition to be applied, a desired sequence ofapplication of compositions stored in the plurality of compositionchambers, a desired droplet size of the spray mist, and a desiredduration of application of the spray mist.

In some embodiments, various additional features and details are setforth with respect to the methods, systems, apparatuses disclosed hereinand are combinable with the above method, and are not repeated in theinterest of brevity. In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses,atomizers, and controllers are implemented to perform the methodsdescribed herein.

In various embodiments, generating and applying biomimicry tear filmscomprising generating mist of micro droplets using amicronizer/nebulizer/atomizer and applying to the cornea form the one ormore layers or sublayers of biomimicry tear films. In variousembodiments, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are used to print theone or more layers or sublayers of biomimicry tear films onto the corneasurface. In various embodiments, generating and applying biomimicry tearfilms comprising preforming the one or more layer of biomimicry tearfilms and applying the preformed biomimicry tear films to the corneadirectly similar to wearing a contact lens.

In one example, a method for creating a biomimicry tear film on a corneamay comprise forming a multilayered tear film that may include forming afirst smooth conformal biomimicry tear film layer on the cornea. In someexamples, forming the multilayered tear film may further include forminga second smooth conformal biomimicry tear film layer on the first smoothconformal biomimicry tear film layer. In some examples, forming themultilayered tear film may further include forming a third smoothconformal biomimicry tear film layer on the second smooth conformalbiomimicry tear film layer.

In another example, a system for creating a biomimicry tear film on acornea may comprise a first composition for forming a first layer of thebiomimicry tear film, a second composition for forming a second layer ofthe biomimicry tear film, a third composition for forming a third layerof the biomimicry tear film, and an atomizer for atomizing and sprayingthe first composition, the second composition, and the third compositionto create the biomimicry tear film on the cornea.

In another example, an apparatus for creating a biomimicry tear film ona cornea may comprise an air pump operable via a motor, at least onecomposition chamber, and a controller that may store user-definedinstructions for operating the air pump to atomize and spray a firstcomposition to form a first layer on the cornea that may comprise anadhesive layer of the biomimicry tear film, a second composition to forma second layer on the first layer that may comprise an aqueous layer ofthe biomimicry tear film, and a third composition to form a third layeron the second layer that may comprise an oil layer of the biomimicrytear film.

In another example, a method for treating dry eye syndrome using anatomizer may comprise routing a composition stored in a compositionchamber of the atomizer into a process chamber of the atomizer via acomposition pathway, routing an air flow from an air pump that mayinclude a motor into the process chamber via an air pathway, controllinga speed of a motor and in turn a rate of the air flow based on thecomposition stored in the composition chamber, establishing an exitpathway where a combination of the composition and the air flow may exitthe atomizer as a spray mist, and applying the spray mist to a cornea ofa user of the atomizer.

In another example, a method for treating dry eye syndrome may comprisereceiving, via a controller of an atomizer, instructions pertaining toatomizing one of a first composition into a first spray mist, a secondcomposition into a second spray mist and a third composition into athird spray mist, routing one of the first composition, the secondcomposition and the third composition into a process chamber of theatomizer based on the instructions, commanding, based on theinstructions, a speed of a motor of an air pump to route an air flowinto the process chamber, and where air and one of the firstcomposition, the second composition and the third composition may exitthe process chamber as one of the first spray mist, the second spraymist and the third spray mist, respectively, for application to a corneaof a user of the atomizer.

In another example, an atomizer system for applying a spray mist to acornea or skin may comprise a remote computing device implementing acustomization application, an atomizer that includes a plurality ofcomposition chambers, an air pump operable via a motor, a processchamber that may receive a composition from one of the plurality ofcomposition chambers at a time and an air flow from the air pump, anozzle that may receive a mixture of the composition and the air flowfor generating the spray mist, and a controller of the atomizer that mayreceive a set of instructions for applying the spray mist from thecustomization application.

In another example, an atomizer for administering a spray mist to acornea or skin may comprise a removable head module that includes acomposition chamber and a process chamber, the process chamberfluidically coupled to the composition chamber via a compositionpassage, a body module that may include an air pump and a motor of theair pump for supplying air to the process chamber via an air passage, aneedle valve assembly including a needle and a nozzle, the needle valveassembly included in the process chamber, and a controller included inthe body module storing instructions for adjusting a speed of the motoras a function of a viscosity of a composition included in thecomposition chamber.

In another example, an atomizer for administering a spray mist to acornea or skin may comprise a composition cavity included in a headmodule of the atomizer, wherein the composition cavity includes a firstcomposition chamber having a first valve, a second composition chamberhaving a second valve, and a third composition chamber having a thirdvalve, a process chamber included in the head module that mayindependently receive a first composition from the first compositioncompartment when the first valve is open, a second composition from thesecond composition compartment when the second valve is open, and athird composition from the third composition compartment when the thirdvalve is open, a body module mechanically coupled to the head module,the body module including an air pump operable via a motor for supplyingan air flow to the process chamber, and a nozzle fluidically coupled tothe process chamber where one of the first composition, the secondcomposition, and the third composition may respectively exit theatomizer as one of a first spray mist, a second spray mist, and a thirdspray mist.

In another example, an atomizer for administering a spray mist onto acornea or skin may comprise a head module, a body module positionedbelow the head module with respect to a vertical axis of the atomizer,the body module removably coupled to the head module, a compositionchamber included in the head module, a process chamber included in thehead module, the process chamber positioned below the compositionchamber with respect to the vertical axis, the process chamberfluidically coupled to the composition chamber via a compositionpassage, an air pump with a motor positioned in the body module, wherethe air pump may be fluidically coupled to the process chamber via anair passage of the process chamber that may extend along the verticalaxis from the head module to the body module, a needle valve assemblyincluded in the process chamber, the needle valve assembly including aneedle and a nozzle with an orifice, the orifice positioned at a frontframe of the head module and where the needle valve assembly may extendalong a front-to-back axis of the atomizer perpendicular to the verticalaxis, a needle valve cover mechanically coupled to the needle, and afirst spring connected to the needle valve cover that may bias theneedle to a fully seated position in the nozzle, an atomizationactuator, a link rod extending along the vertical axis from the headmodule to the body module, the link rod selectively mechanically coupledto the atomization actuator, a hinged connector with a connectingelement positioned along the front-to-back axis of the atomizer that mayfit into a link rod groove of the link rod, where movement of the linkrod in a downward direction with respect to the vertical axis mayrotationally mechanically engage the hinged connector with the needlevalve cover to compress the first spring and unseat the needle from thefully seated position in the nozzle, a printed circuit board included inthe body module, wherein the downward direction of movement of the linkrod may mechanically engage the link rod with the printed circuit boardto activate the motor to produce an air flow to the process chamber, andwherein a composition stored in the composition chamber may flow throughthe process chamber and may exit the orifice as the spray mist when theneedle is unseated from the fully seated position while the motor isactivated.

To achieve the end of generating and applying biomimicry tear films thatmimic the natural tear film layers, atomizer systems are herein providedwhich may atomize one or more compositions that include one or morebiomimicry tear components into droplets. The droplets may then beapplied to a cornea of an eye as a spray mist to deliver one or morefilm layers that mimic natural tear film layers, and which coat asurface of the cornea. The atomizer may include a head module and a bodymodule, wherein the head module may be detachable from the body modulein some examples. That is, the head module may be interchangeable withanother head module in some examples. The head module may include one ormore composition chambers which may be respectively provided with theone or more compositions. The body module may include an air pump in oneexample. A process chamber included in the head module may receive anair flow from the air pump and a composition from the one or morecomposition chambers. The process chamber may be fluidically coupled toa nozzle, whereby a resultant mixture of air and the composition in theprocess chamber may exit the atomizer for spraying onto the eye of auser of the atomizer. A flow rate of the air may be determined by aspeed of a motor of the air pump. One or more of the speed of the motorof the air pump and a radius of the nozzle may be adjusted as a functionof a viscosity of the composition. As such, the atomization of aselected composition may be controlled as a function of a viscosity ofthe particular composition selected for atomizing and spraying onto thecornea of the user of the atomizer.

The atomization as described above may have several advantages inaddition to those already detailed (e.g., interchangeability of the headmodule, composition-based control of the atomization). First, theatomization and spraying process may be carried out without heating ofthe composition. It may be understood that the absence of heating may beadvantageous as heating may compromise effectiveness and quality of aresultant spray mist, or may evaporate a given composition. Second, theatomization may be conducted such that a pressure of the spray mist isminimized for applying the spray mist to the eye, which may avoidirritation to the eye receiving the spray mist. Thus, the atomizers ofthe present disclosure may improve upon aerosol and pump-based sprays,such as those utilized for non-ophthalmic purposes (e.g., fragrance,skincare, cosmetic products), which lack control of both pressure anddroplet quantity, as an operator's action of pressing or pumping mayvary in force. Third, the atomizers of the present disclosure may applymultiple compositions in a sequential manner, where each of the multiplecompositions may vary substantially in viscosity. Some sprays, such asultrasonic-based sprays (e.g., facial or room humidifiers) may belimited to liquids of a small range of viscosity (e.g., water and otherlow viscosity liquids). The atomizer systems of the present disclosureincrease such a viscosity range, which is particularly advantageous foran atomizer designed to atomize and spray compositions corresponding tothe layers of natural tear film, where such layers range in viscosityfrom around 1 mPa to around 10000 mPa.

It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introducein simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described inthe detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essentialfeatures of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defineduniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description.Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited toimplementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any partof this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows an atomizer of the present disclosure delivering a filmlayer in a form of a spray mist to an eye.

FIG. 1B shows applied artificial tears resulting from an application ofconventional artificial tear drops.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the atomizer with a singlecomposition chamber.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the atomizer, where the atomizerincludes a plurality of individual composition chambers.

FIG. 4A shows a schematic diagram of an example air atomization process.

FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the atomizer performing theexample air atomization process of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A shows an example schematic diagram of a composition chamber withan associated valve in a retracted or closed position.

FIG. 5B shows an example schematic diagram of the composition chamber ofFIG. 5A with the associated valve in an extended or open position.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a composition cavity including threeindividual composition chambers coupled to an intermediary chamber.

FIG. 7A shows an example illustration of a mechanism for how the valveof FIGS. 5A-5B can adopt the retracted position.

FIG. 7B shows an example illustration of a mechanism for how the valveof FIGS. 5A-5B can adopt the extended position.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic computing environment for implementing one ormore control methods of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A shows a first example screen of a customization program for theatomizer of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B shows a second example screen of the customization program forthe atomizer of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9C shows a third example screen of the customization program forthe atomizer of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a method for delivering one or more film layers to an eyevia use of the atomizer of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows another method for delivering one or more film layers tothe eye via use of the atomizer of the present disclosure, wherein thehead module of the atomizer includes multiple composition chambers.

FIG. 12A shows a first view of the atomizer of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12B shows a second view of the atomizer of the present disclosure,where a cap of the atomizer has been detached from the atomizer.

FIG. 12C shows a view of a head module and a body module of the atomizerof the present disclosure, where the head module has been detached fromthe body module.

FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of the body module of the atomizer of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 14 shows an exploded view of the head module of the atomizer of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 15 shows a first cross-sectional view of the atomizer of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 16 shows a second cross-sectional view of the atomizer of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description relates to systems and methods for generatingand applying tear film layers which mimic biological tear film layers toa cornea of an eye, thereby forming a multilayered tear film. Anatomizer is provided which atomizes and sprays a composition orcompositions that can include biomimicry tear components to form one ormore film layers on the cornea. The atomizer may be adapted to delivercompositions of varying viscosities. The atomizer disclosed herein maynot be limited to atomizing and spraying compositions that mimicbiological tear film layers, but may be adaptable to other applicationsincluding but not limited to the applying of lotions, essences, creams,etc., to a desired skin location without departing from the scope ofthis disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, it depicts a film layer being delivered in aform of a spray mist 51 to an eye 100. As illustrated, a device such asan atomizer 50, also referred to herein as handheld atomizationapparatus 50, still further also referred to herein as programmableatomizing device 50, generates the spray mist 51 by way of anatomization. Atomizer 50 may include a cap 1, in some examples. Detailsof atomizer 50 are discussed in greater detail below. In one example,the atomization may be via air (e.g., air spray) atomization. However,other forms of atomization including but not limited to ultrasonicatomization, pressure (e.g., airless, air-assisted airless) atomization,centrifugal (e.g., rotary) atomization, or electrostatic atomization maybe used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In someexamples, the device may be of an alternative construction, such as anebulizer or an aerosolizer, for generating the spray mist 51 vianebulization or aerosolization, respectively. In still further examples,the device for generating the spray mist may be amicronizer/nebulizer/atomizer, for generating the spray mist 51 viamicronization. The eye 100 as depicted includes a cornea 101 and a tearfilm 110 interfacing with a surface 102 of the cornea 101. The tear film110 includes a mucin layer 111, an aqueous layer 112, and a lipid or oillayer 113. Herein, “mucin” may refer to a family of relatively highmolecular weight, heavily glycosylated proteins, or glycoconjugates,produced by epithelial tissues.

The atomizer 50 may atomize one or more compositions into smalldroplets, each of which may include one or more biomimicry tearcomponents, and administer the atomized composition(s) as the spray mist51 to deliver/form one or more ultrathin (e.g., 1 μm in thickness orless), uniform, smooth, and conformal film layers to coat the surface102 of the cornea 101. Discussed herein, “uniform” and “smooth” may beinterchangeably used to describe a coverage of any threshold area of thesurface 102 of the cornea 101 (e.g., a total surface area, less than thetotal surface area) by a film layer of substantially similar thicknessand smoothness, or in other words, unchanging in form or character.Discussed herein, “conformal” may be used to describe the coverage ofthe total surface area of the surface 102 of the cornea 101 by the filmlayer being complete and/or conforming to a shape of the surface 102 ofthe cornea. As such, a biomimicry tear film may be formed, which mayinclude one or more stable layers that mimic and function like variousfilm layers (e.g., the mucin layer 111, the aqueous layer 112, the lipidor oil layer 113) of the tear film 110.

The one or more compositions may be composed of a liquid, solid, orsemisolid material. In some examples, the biomimicry tear film as formedmay include an adhesive layer, or mucin layer, having a similarcomposition and function to the mucin layer 111. In some examples, thebiomimicry tear film as formed may include an aqueous layer having asimilar composition and function to the aqueous layer 112. In someexamples, the biomimicry tear film as formed may include an oil layer,or lipid layer, having a similar composition and function to the lipidlayer 113.

In a first example, a first composition (e.g., aqueous composition) maybe atomized and sprayed to form an aqueous layer on the surface 102 ofthe cornea 101, which may mimic the aqueous layer 112 of the tear film110. A second composition (e.g., lipid composition) may then be atomizedand sprayed to form an oil layer on the surface 102 of the cornea 101,where the oil layer may mimic the lipid layer 113 of the tear film 110.

In a second example, a third composition (e.g., adhesive composition ormucin composition) may be atomized and sprayed to form an adhesive layeron the surface 102 of the cornea 101, which may mimic the mucin layer111 of the tear film 110. The first composition (e.g., aqueouscomposition) may then be atomized and sprayed to form the aqueous layeron the surface 102 of the cornea 101, which as discussed may mimic theaqueous layer 112 of the tear film 110. The second composition (e.g.,lipid composition) may then be atomized and sprayed to form the oillayer on the surface 102 of the cornea 101, which as discussed may mimicthe lipid layer 113 of the tear film 110. In such an example, it may beunderstood that the aqueous layer may be disposed between the adhesivelayer and the oil layer.

In a third example, the first composition (e.g., aqueous composition)may be atomized and sprayed to form the aqueous layer on the surface 102of the cornea 101, which as discussed may mimic the aqueous layer 112 ofthe tear film 110.

In a fourth example, the second composition (e.g., lipid composition)may be atomized and sprayed to form the oil layer on the surface 102 ofthe cornea 101, which as discussed may mimic the lipid layer 113 of thetear film 110.

It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the first composition,the second composition, and the third composition may be atomized andsprayed to form respective film layers in any desired order. Further, insome examples, each of the first composition, the second composition,and the third composition may include any of the adhesive composition ormucin composition, the aqueous composition, or the lipid composition,without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. However, insome embodiments, the sequential order by which the first composition,the second composition, and the third composition are atomized andapplied is predefined in accordance with the specific purpose of theapplication, such as treating DES and creating a multilayer biomimicrytear film on a cornea, and/or in accordance with the specific propertiesof the compositions (e.g., required quantities, viscosities,interactivity and reactivity, stability, etc. of the compositions) andis not randomly interchangeable. In some embodiments, the first, second,and third compositions are distinct compositions, that may have nooverlap or only a small amount of overlap in ingredients. The first,second, and third compositions are not the same composition or a mixtureof the first, second, and third compositions that is physically dividedinto different volumes.

Discussed herein, the lipid composition may include one or morebiomimicry tear components selected from a group comprisingphospholipids (e.g., sphingomyelin, phosphatidylcholine), cholesterols,cholesterol esters, triglycerides, castor oil, mineral oil, fish oil,flaxseed oil, unsaturated lipids, hyaluronic acid, soy oil, petrolatum,waxes, anhydrous lanolin, lanolin, oleaginous ingredients, liposomes,ophthalmic emollients, demulcents, and synthetic materials which may beused to substitute/replace the lipid layer 113. Further, the lipidcomposition may include one or more lipid-soluble vitamins (e.g.,vitamin E, vitamin A).

Discussed herein, the aqueous composition may comprise an isotonicaqueous solution and may include one or more biomimicry tear componentsincluding but not limited to water and one or more electrolytes (e.g.,sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, magnesium, and calcium).

Discussed herein, the adhesive composition may include one or morebiomimicry tear components comprising membrane-spanning mucins (e.g.,MUC5AC) and/or mucin-like proteins or molecules. The mucins ormucin-like proteins or molecules may contain a cytoplasmic domain (e.g.,a hydrophilic domain which may reach inside a corneal epithelial cell),a membrane-spanning domain (e.g., a hydrophobic domain which may span amembrane of the corneal epithelial cell), and an extracellular domain(e.g., a hydrophilic domain which may remain outside of the cornea 101).

The biomimicry tear film may be applied to treat dry eye syndrome (DES).In contrast to current approaches involving artificial tear drops(deficiencies of which are exemplified below with reference to FIG. 1B),which primarily include applying a mixture of ingredients in a liquid oremulsion form to a cornea of an eye as a “water” or “oil-in-water” typeeye drop, the biomimicry tear film may be formed by applying variousmaterials layer by layer the surface 102 of the cornea 101, where eachlayer may respectively have similar ingredients and properties to themucin layer 111, the aqueous layer 112, and the lipid layer 113. Thelayers of the biomimicry tear film may be ultrathin (e.g., from amolecule to a micron in thickness), may be optically transparent, andmay offer adhesive, moisturizing, and/or lubricating properties, as wellas thermal stability to prevent quick evaporation. Such properties maybe naturally present in the tear film 110.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, artificial tears 160 applied to an eye 150 aredepicted, where the artificial tears 160 result from an application ofconventional artificial tear drops. As shown, the artificial tears 160may adhere to a surface 151 of the cornea 150. However, due todifficulties in controlling a liquid flow during the application of theconventional artificial tear drops, excess artificial tears 161 mayresult from liquid accumulation in a lower portion of the eye 150, andmay drain onto a face of a user of the conventional artificial teardrops.

Returning to FIG. 1A, the biomimicry tear film may be formed via avariety of methods. In addition to theatomization/nebulization/micronization processes described hereinabove,a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) module 120 may beembedded/implanted within or near the eye 100. The MEMS module 120 maybe loaded with one or more biomimicry tear components which may beapplied in a similar manner to that known in the art for drug deliveryvia MEMS. For example, the MEMS module 120 may store instructionsexecutable via a controller thereon to deliver the one or morebiomimicry tear components via a plurality of microneedles to form thebiomimicry tear film.

As another example of an application of the biomimicry tear film, apreformed biomimicry tear film that include pre-stacked layerscorresponding to one or more of layers of the biomimicry tear film. Thepreformed biomimicry tear film may be directly applied to the cornea 101in a manner similar to an application of a contact lens, for example. Insome examples, the preformed biomimicry tear film may be manufacturedwith the one or more layers of the biomimicry tear film formed thereon.In some examples, the one or more layers of the biomimicry tear film maybe applied to the preformed biomimicry tear film via one of theatomization/nebulization/micronization processes described hereinabove.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram 200 is shown, depictingatomizer 50 including a body module 60 and a head module 70. Theatomizer 50 may include a composition chamber 42, or compositioncompartment 42. The atomizer 50 may atomize a composition (e.g., aliquid) stored in the composition chamber 42 by routing the compositionto a process chamber 33 by way of a composition passage 45. An air pump5 positioned within the body module 60 and operable via motor 6 mayroute an air flow to the process chamber 33 by way of an air passage 46.The process chamber 33 may be fluidically coupled to a nozzle 30, ormicro nozzle 30, by which the composition upon interaction with the airflow is atomized into the spray mist 51. The spray mist 51 may becomposed of the composition, and may deliver a biomimicry tear film,such as the biomimicry tear film described above with reference to FIG.1A, to a cornea of an eye, such as the eye of a human or an animal. Insome examples, the human or the animal may be diagnosed with DES. Assuch, the spray mist 51 may be applied to the cornea to alleviate one ormore symptoms associated with DES. Via use of atomizer 50, the spraymist 51 may be applied to the cornea without heating the composition.

Atomizer 50 may further include a printed circuit board (PCB) 13. PCB 13may be electronically coupled via one of a plurality of wiredconnections 47 to the motor 6 of the air pump 5 for controlling a speedof the motor. As will be described in greater detail below withreference to FIGS. 8-9C, in some examples PCB 13 may be communicativelycoupled to a remote computing device via a network, wherefrom PCB 13 mayreceive customized instructions for controlling the motor 6 of the airpump 5 and/or other actuators of the atomizer. Head module 70 mayinclude an atomization actuator 20 which may be depressed (or in otherexamples slid, rotated, or otherwise actuated) by a user for activatingthe air pump 5 to initiate atomization of the composition. Theatomization actuator 20 may selectively mechanically couple to a linkrod (not shown at FIG. 2 but see at least FIG. 14) when actuated (e.g.,depressed), such that the atomization actuator 20 induces movement ofthe link rod, causing the link rod to mechanically interact with PCB 13to activate motor 6 for producing the air flow from air pump 5. Detailsregarding the atomization actuator 20 and the link rod are discussedbelow with regard to FIGS. 13-16.

Mutually perpendicular axes define a three-dimensional space for theschematic diagram 200, where a front-to-back axis 201 and a verticalaxis 202 define a plane of FIG. 2 and a horizontal axis 203 is normal tothe plane of FIG. 2. It will be appreciated that FIGS. 3-4B, 13, 14, and16 (described in more detail below) are depicted in the same plane asFIG. 2. It will further be appreciated that FIG. 15 (described in moredetail below) is depicted in a plane which is perpendicular to the planeof FIG. 2.

The atomization process discussed herein may generate small droplets ofliquid with minimal pressure (e.g., within a threshold of zero pressure)to be coated onto the eye. In this way, the eye, being sensitive toexcessive pressure, may avoid damage or irritation when using theatomizer 50. A size of the droplets may be selected from a range of afew nanometers to 500 microns in diameter.

Air pump 5 may be operable to produce the flow of air by activation ofmotor 6. In some examples, motor 6 may be a digital motor. A battery 8connected to motor 6 via one of the plurality of wired connections 47may provide power to motor 6. In some examples, battery 8 may berechargeable. Motor 6 may be operated with an air pump motor speedselected from a range of 100 revolutions per minute (RPM) to 110,000RPM.

Air pump 5 may pump air into process chamber 33 by way of air passage46. The speed or rate at which the air flows into process chamber 33 maylinearly correlate with the speed of the motor 6 of air pump 5. Aresultant mixture of air and the composition received by the processchamber 33 may be received by and routed through nozzle 30, exiting theatomizer as the spray mist 51. The spray mist 51 may then be coated onthe eye as one layer of the biomimicry tear film. In some examples,nozzle 30 may have a set length and a set radius, such that nozzle 30may be optimized for a viscosity of a single composition. However, inother examples, the radius of nozzle 30 may be adjustable so as tofunction with compositions of varying viscosities.

Accordingly, atomizer 50 may function with compositions with a widerange of viscosities. As an example, the viscosity of the compositionmay be greater than 1 mPa·s and less than 10000 mPa·s.

Atomizer 50 may use a fixed setting for a plurality of materials. Insome examples, the fixed setting may be optimized for a certainviscosity range. In order to achieve optimized performance for each ofthe plurality of materials, one or more parameters of the atomizer 50may be adjusted as a function of the viscosity of the composition. Theone or more parameters may include the speed of motor 6 of air pump 5,and the radius of nozzle 30. Adjusting the one or more parameters may insome examples result in, or be selected for, adjusting one or more ofthe size of the droplets of the spray mist 51, an amount of thecomposition to be atomized, a duration of the atomization, and/or apressure for delivering the film layer. As such, the size of thedroplets of the spray mist 51, the amount of the composition to beatomized, the duration of the atomization, and the pressure fordelivering the film layer may be adjusted as a function of the viscosityof the composition.

Achieving a desired level of the atomization may include maintaining abalance of the viscosity of the composition and the amount of thecomposition (or a flow rate of the composition) with an atomizationenergy. As such, once the desired level of the atomization has beenachieved, a change in any one parameter (e.g., the viscosity of thecomposition, the amount of the composition, the atomization energy,etc.) may affect the atomization. Such a change may be balanced with anopposing change to return the atomization to the desired level. As anexample, a change to the viscosity of the composition may require acorresponding change to the atomization energy (e.g., increased ordecreased air flow rate). As another example, a change to a flow rate ofthe composition may require a corresponding change to the atomizationenergy (e.g., increased or decreased air flow rate).

While FIG. 2 depicts atomizer 50 with air pump 5, as mentioned above inother examples atomizing a composition may be via ultrasonicatomization, pressure (e.g., airless, air-assisted airless) atomization,centrifugal (e.g., rotary) atomization, or electrostatic atomization,without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The atomizationenergy for the atomization may be derived from various energy sources,depending on a type of the atomization. As an example, the energy sourcefor air atomization may be an air spray, or an air pressure (e.g., froman air pump, such as the air pump 5). In another example, the energysource for pressure atomization may be from pressurizing thecomposition. As yet another example, an energy source for centrifugalatomization may be a centrifugal force (e.g., achieved via a motor).

In some examples, the atomizer 50 may be a handheld device. However, inother examples, the atomizer 50 may be stationary. In such examples, theatomizer 50 may be affixed to a horizontal surface, such as a desktop,or the atomizer 50 may be affixed to, or hang from, a vertical surface,such as a wall.

The composition chamber 42 may be sized to hold a particular volume ofthe composition. In some examples, the volume of the composition chamber42 may be between 0.5 mL and 3 mL. In some examples, the volume of thecomposition chamber 42 may be between 0.5 mL and 1 mL. In some examples,the volume of the composition chamber 42 may be between 1 mL and 2 mL.In some examples, the volume of the composition chamber 42 may bebetween 2 mL and 3 mL.

In some examples, the composition chamber 42 may directly receive acomposition from another external container. For example, a liquidcomposition may be poured or otherwise transferred directly into thecomposition chamber for storage therein. In other examples, the atomizer50 may be refilled by removing and replacing one or more pre-filledvials, capsules, or cartridges into the composition chamber(s) designedto receive the vials/capsules/cartridges.

In some examples, the head module 70 may be detachable from the bodymodule 60. That is, the head module 70 may be removably mechanicallycoupled to the body module 60. Thus, in some examples, the head module70 may be removed and replaced entirely. As such, in some examples, thehead module 70 may be interchangeable with another head module. Eachhead module may be specific for a particular composition, for example.In such an example, a radius of the nozzle 30 may be fixed and may besized according to the particular composition specified to be includedfor the particular head module 70. In other examples wherein the radiusof the nozzle 30 is adjustable as a function of the viscosity of acomposition to be atomized, after emptying the composition chamber 42 ofa first composition, a second, different composition may be filled intothe composition chamber 42 to be atomized, where the radius of thenozzle 30 may be adjusted as a function of the viscosity of thecomposition added.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a schematic diagram 300 depicts another exampleof atomizer 50 including the body module 60 and the head module 70. Asillustrated, atomizer 50 as depicted at FIG. 3 may include anintermediary chamber 43 and the composition chamber 42, where thecomposition chamber 42 may be partitioned into a plurality of individualcomposition chambers (e.g., a first composition chamber 42 a, a secondcomposition chamber 42 b, and a third composition chamber 42 c)positioned within the head module 70. Each of the plurality ofindividual composition chambers may pass a composition into theintermediary chamber 43 by way of a valve 41 configured to fluidicallycouple an individual composition chamber with the intermediary chamber43. While only one numeral may be used to specify valve 41, it may beunderstood that each composition chamber includes a valve (e.g., 41),and that the same numeral indicates that the valves are of the sametype. In some examples, each composition respectively disposed in theplurality of individual composition chambers may be different from oneanother. In other examples, each composition respectively disposed inthe plurality of individual composition chambers may be the same as oneanother. In some examples, only one of the plurality of individualcomposition chambers may be fluidically coupled to intermediary chamber43 at any one time. In such an example, the process chamber 33 mayindependently receive, from each of the plurality of individualcomposition chambers, a respective flow of a single composition by wayof the intermediary chamber 43 and the composition passage 45. As anexample, in a situation where the first composition chamber (e.g., 42 a)has provided its composition to the intermediary chamber 43, theintermediary chamber 43 may not accept another composition from thesecond composition chamber (e.g., 42 b) or the third composition chamber(e.g., 42 c) until after both the valve of the first composition chamber42 a has been closed off to the intermediary chamber 43, and theintermediary chamber 43 has been emptied of the first composition (thatis, after the intermediary chamber 43 has passed all of the firstcomposition to the process chamber 33 by way of the composition passage45). However, in other examples it may be possible to fluidically couplemore than one composition chamber at a time to the intermediary chamber,in a case where mixing of compositions stored in different compositionchambers is desired. For example, depending on the application, it maybe desirable to mix different compositions at selected or determinedratios, in order to atomize a composition that has properties that aredifferent from the corresponding individual unmixed compositions. Insuch examples, more than one composition chamber may be fluidicallycoupled to the intermediary chamber 43 at any one time.

In some examples, the process of atomization may be controlled by way ofthe PCB 13. Thus, as discussed herein, the PCB 13 may in some examplesbe referred to as a controller 13. In some examples, the PCB 13 may becommunicatively coupled via the plurality of wired connections 47 toeach of the valves 41 and motor 6 of air pump 5. The PCB 13 may furtherbe communicatively coupled to one or more actuators associated with thenozzle 30, for controlling a radius of the nozzle 30. As will bedescribed in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 8-9C, the PCB13 may in some examples be electrically communicatively coupled to aremote computing device via a network, wherefrom the PCB 13 may receivecustomized instructions for controlling one or more of the valves 41,motor 6 of air pump 5, and the radius of the nozzle 30. In such anexample, the network may comprise a wired or wireless network. In onesuch example, the PCB 13 may control the valves 41 in a sequentialmanner so as to apply a plurality of film layers to the cornea. In someexamples, the plurality of film layers may include at least two layersof the biomimicry tear film described above with reference to FIG. 1A.

While FIG. 3 depicts three individual composition chambers, in otherexamples the plurality of individual composition chambers may includetwo composition chambers. In still other examples, the plurality ofindividual composition chambers may include four composition chambers.In still other examples, the plurality of individual compositionchambers may include five or more composition chambers.

Similar to that discussed above, each of the plurality of individualcomposition chambers may be affixed within the head module 70 forreceiving compositions directly added thereto from an externalcontainer. In other examples, atomizer 50 may be refilled by removingand replacing one or more vials/capsules/cartridges that contain thecompositions, where the plurality of individual composition chambers aredesigned to receive the vials/capsules/cartridges. A composition cavity(not shown but refer to FIG. 6) may be disposed within the head module70 which may house the plurality of individual composition chambers. Insome examples, each of the plurality of the individual compositionchambers may be refillable. That is, for example, when at least some ofa first composition stored in a first composition chamber (e.g., 42 a)has been atomized, more of the first composition may be added to thefirst composition chamber 42 a. In some examples, each of the pluralityof individual composition chambers may be refilled by respectivelyreceiving a composition from an external container. In some examples,each of the plurality of individual composition chambers may be refilledby respectively receiving a disposable vial storing a composition,wherein each of the plurality of individual composition chambers may bedesigned to respectively receive the appropriate disposable vial and thedisposable vial may securely fit into the appropriate compositionchamber.

In some examples, the plurality of individual composition chambers maybe used to store a set of compositions for a biomimicry tear film, aneye wash, and eye drops. In other examples, the plurality of individualcomposition chambers may be used to store a set of compositions for skincare products, where the skin care products may be one or more oflotions, essences, moistures, day creams, and night creams.

Further exemplary elements, and aspects thereof, shown in FIG. 3 mayfunction substantially similarly to analogous exemplary elementsdescribed above with reference to FIG. 2. Also, while not explicitlydepicted at FIG. 2, it may be understood that in some examples PCB 13may be communicatively coupled to nozzle 30 via one of a plurality ofwired connections 47, in an atomizer 50 such as that depicted at FIG. 2that includes a single composition chamber 42 and a removable headmodule 70. Further, while not explicitly depicted at FIG. 2, it may beunderstood that in some examples a link rod may couple an atomizationactuator 20 to a PCB 13 such that the PCB 13 may be activated uponactuation of the atomization actuator 20. In this way, it may bepossible to use compositions of different viscosities in the singlecomposition chamber 42, by adjusting nozzle parameters (e.g., theradius) under control of the controller (e.g., PCB 13), as will beelaborated in further detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, a schematic diagram 400 depicts an example airatomization process, or air spray atomization process, performed by anatomizer, such as the atomizer 50 described above with reference toFIGS. 2-3. The composition chamber 42 may contain a composition 48(e.g., liquid, fluid, etc.). The composition 48 may be passed into theprocess chamber 33 via the composition passage 45 in a low-speed stream.Further, the air pump 5 may contain air 49. Upon actuation of the motor(e.g., 6) of the air pump 5, the air 49 may pass into the processchamber 33 via the air passage 46 in a high-speed stream from adirection opposite that of the composition 48 entering the processchamber 33. As such, friction resulting from the interaction of thecomposition 48 and the air 49 may accelerate and disrupt the low-speedstream of the composition 48, resulting in an atomized mixture 52.

The atomized mixture 52 may be passed from the process chamber 33through the nozzle 30 to leave the atomizer (e.g., 50) as the spray mist51. The spray mist 51 may be applied to a cornea of an eye to deliver afilm layer, such as a component film layer of the biomimicry tear film.In some examples, further modules/process may alter properties of thespray mist 51 (e.g., pressure, droplet size, pattern, etc.) by varyingcontrol of a pressure of the air 49.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, a cross-sectional view 450 depicts theatomizer 50 performing the example air atomization process of FIG. 4A.In some examples, the atomizer 50 depicted by the cross-section view 450may constitute the specific embodiment described below with reference toFIGS. 12A-16. As shown, the composition 48 may interact with the air 49in the process chamber 33 to form the atomized mixture 52. The atomizedmixture 52 may then pass through the nozzle 30 to form the spray mist51. The spray mist 51 may be applied to the cornea of the eye to delivera film layer, such as a component film layer of the biomimicry tearfilm.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, a schematic diagram 500 depicts one exampleembodiment of composition chamber 42 with valve 41 in a closed position.In the example embodiment depicted by the schematic diagram 500, valve41 operates via a plunger-type mechanism, but in other examples thevalve 41 may operate differently, for example the valve 41 may comprisea solenoid-actuatable valve in some examples without departing from thescope of this disclosure. Accordingly, for the example embodimentdepicted by the schematic diagram 500, a plunger 44 comprises acomponent of valve 41. As discussed, the composition chamber 42 may beincluded in the head module (e.g., 70) of the atomizer (e.g., 50)described above with reference to FIG. 2, and a composition may bedisposed within the composition chamber 42. In the example embodimentdepicted by the schematic diagram 500, valve 41 may include mechanicallock 40, which may comprise a top portion 40 a and a bottom portion 40b. Rotational and vertical movement of the top portion 40 a ofmechanical lock 40 with respect to the bottom portion 40 b of mechanicallock 40 may allow for movement of valve 41 from a retracted position(depicted at FIG. 5A) to an extended position (refer to FIG. 5B),similar to a mechanism utilized via retractable ballpoint pens forextending and retracting an ink cartridge. FIG. 5A depicts a simplifiedview for illustrative purposes. Turning to FIG. 7A, a more detailedexample illustration 700 of such a mechanism is shown. FIG. 7A depicts aportion of valve 41, including top portion 40 a, bottom portion 40 b,and stop member 40 c (which is not depicted at FIG. 5A). When configuredin the retracted position as shown at FIG. 7A, stop member 40 c engagesa first notch 52 of the bottom portion, causing the top portion 40 a toseat against the bottom portion 40 b, similar to that illustrativelydepicted at FIG. 5A. Alternatively, turning to FIG. 7B, exampleillustration 750 depicts stop member 40 c engaged with a second notch 53of the bottom portion 40 b. When stop member 40 c engages second notch53, a physical separation between the top portion 40 a and the bottomportion 40 b occurs, resulting in the extended position as illustratedat FIG. 7B, similar to that illustratively depicted at FIG. 5B. As themechanism for extending and retracting an ink cartridge of a ballpointpen is well understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, detailedexplanation is not included herein for brevity. However, it may beunderstood that application of a first force applied in a direction 54may cause valve 41 to adopt and latch the retracted position, andapplication of a second force applied in the direction 54 may causevalve 41 to adopt and latch the extended position, in a similarmechanistic fashion as that utilized by ballpoint pens to retract andextend an ink cartridge. It may be understood that the first force andthe second force may be substantially similar (e.g., within 5% of eachother). Such a force may be applied by way of a finger depressing anatomization actuator (not shown) that mechanically couples to valve 41,for example. In other examples, such actuation may be electronicallycontrollable.

Accordingly, returning to FIG. 5A, when configured in the retractedposition, a composition housed in composition chamber 42 may beprevented from flowing into the process chamber (e.g., 33, not shown atFIG. 5A). In the example embodiment depicted by the schematic diagram500, valve 41 includes a top ring spacer 38 and a bottom ring spacer 39,to reduce or avoid leaking of the composition from composition chamber42.

Turning now to FIG. 5B, a schematic diagram 550 depicts the samecomposition chamber 42 and valve 41 as shown in FIG. 5A, with valve 41in the extended position as discussed. When in the extended position, itmay be understood that the composition chamber 42 may be fluidicallycoupled to the process chamber (e.g., 33, not shown at FIG. 5B), toallow the composition to flow into the process chamber as depicted byarrows 501.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a schematic diagram 600 depicts an illustrativeexample of a composition cavity 90 included in the head module (e.g.,70), that includes three composition chambers. Specifically, compositioncavity 90 includes first composition chamber 42 a, second compositionchamber 42 b, and third composition chamber 42 c. Each of the firstcomposition chamber 42 a, the second composition chamber 42 b, and thethird composition chamber 42 c may be fluidically coupled to theintermediary chamber 43, the intermediary chamber 43 in turn beingfluidically coupled to the process chamber (e.g., 33), by way of thecomposition passage (e.g., 45, not shown at FIG. 6). Each of the firstcomposition chamber 42 a, the second composition chamber 42 b, and thethird composition chamber 42 c may be substantially similar to thecomposition chamber 42 described above with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B.Thus, it may be understood that composition cavity 90 may include theplurality of individual composition chambers (e.g., the firstcomposition chamber 42 a, the second composition chamber 42 b, and thethird composition chamber 42 c), the intermediary chamber 43, and thevalves 41 described above with reference to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 5A-5B. Theintermediary chamber 43 may have a bottom opening 602 which may allow acomposition disposed therein to flow through the composition passage(e.g., 45) to the process chamber (e.g., 33).

Each of the composition chambers 42 a, 42 b, 42 c may include valve 41respectively disposed therein. Each of the valves 41 depicted at FIG. 6comprise valves that operate in the fashion as discussed at FIGS. 5A-5Band FIGS. 7A-7B, and thus detailed explanation of how the valves operateis not provided. In other examples not shown at FIG. 6, valves 41included in each composition chamber of a multi-chambered compositioncavity may operate differently (e.g., solenoid actuated valves, etc.)without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts first composition chamber 42 a fluidically coupled tointermediary chamber 43, such that the composition housed in firstcomposition chamber 42 flows into intermediary chamber 43 as depicted byarrows 603. As depicted, second composition chamber 42 b and thirdcomposition chamber 42 c are not fluidically coupled to the intermediarychamber (the respective valves are in the retracted position), thuspreventing compositions housed in each of the second and thirdcomposition chambers 42 b, 42 c from flowing into the intermediarychamber 43.

In some examples, each composition respectively disposed in thecomposition chambers (e.g., 42 a, 42 b, 42 c) may be different from oneanother. When each composition is different, it may be understood thateach composition may comprise a different viscosity. In other examples,two or more compositions respectively disposed in the compositionchambers 42 a, 42 b, 42 c may be the same as one another. In someexamples, only one of the composition chambers 42 a, 42 b, 42 c may befluidically coupled to the intermediary chamber 43 at any one time. Assuch, each of the composition chambers 42 a, 42 b, 42 c mayindependently provide a respective flow of a composition to intermediarychamber 43. In other examples, more than one of the composition chambers42 a, 42 b, 42 c may be fluidically coupled to intermediary chamber 43at a same time, to enable mixing of the compositions housed in therespective composition chambers 42 a, 42 b, 42 c.

As mentioned above, in some examples the atomization actuator (e.g., 20)may be manually depressed or otherwise manually actuated (e.g., slid,rotated, etc.), which may in turn activate the motor (e.g., 6) forproviding the air flow to the process chamber (e.g., 33), and in someexamples may further fluidically couple a composition chamber (e.g., 42a, 42 b, 42 c) to the process chamber (by way of the intermediarychamber 43 in a case where a plurality of composition chambers 42 a, 42b, 42 c are included in the head module, e.g., 70, of the atomizer,e.g., 50). However, in other examples a control strategy may beimplemented by a controller (e.g., 13) for controlling the motor and/orfor actuating a composition chamber to be fluidically coupled to theprocess chamber. Simply put, the atomization actuator may be understoodto comprise in one example an on/off actuator (e.g., button, slidablemember, rotatable protrusion) for actuating on and off the motor. It maybe understood that such an atomization actuator may in some examples beaccessible to a finger of a user or medical professional, such that theatomization actuator may be mechanically pressed, depressed, etc., (inother words, actuated), to actuate on and off the motor. For example, ina case where there is a single composition chamber (refer to FIG. 2) inthe head module, there may be a single atomization actuator foractuating on and off the motor. In a case where there is a plurality ofcomposition chambers (refer to FIG. 3), there may in some examples be aplurality of atomization actuators (e.g., three different depressiblebuttons or other actuators), which may each actuate on the motor andwhich may also, when actuated, control an open/closed status of a valve(e.g., 41) corresponding to a particular composition chamber. In thisway, a user may, for example, depress a first atomization actuator whichmay control a first valve associated with a first composition chamber toan open position and also actuate the motor, depress a secondatomization actuator which may control a second valve associated withthe second composition chamber and also actuate the motor, and depress athird atomization actuator which may control a third valve associatedwith the third composition chamber and also actuate the motor. It may beunderstood that in such an example, depressing the first atomizationactuator again may deactivate the motor and control the first valve to aclosed position, and so on. In examples wherein the valve 41 includes aplunger (e.g., 44) extending through a particular composition chamber,when a corresponding atomization actuator is actuated, the plunger maybe displaced to fluidically couple the composition chamber to theprocess chamber. However, as elaborated in further detail below, controlof such valves and actuation of the motor may be in other examples undercontrol of the controller.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a schematic computing environment 800 forimplementing control methods for atomizing and spraying a composition orcompositions depicts the atomizer 50 selectively communicably coupled toa remote computing device 801 by way of a network 802. Network 802 maycomprise a wired network in one example, or a wireless network in otherexamples. In examples where network 802 is wireless, it may beunderstood that a wireless transceiver (e.g., Bluetooth transceiver)(not shown) may be included in the body module (e.g., 60) of atomizer50. The remote computing device 801 may be a laptop, smartphone, tablet,desktop computer, remote control, etc. As described in more detail belowwith reference to FIGS. 9A-9C, the remote computing device 801 mayinclude a customization application or program 810 (e.g., softwareapplication), for which a user of the application may input a variety ofparameters for controlling the atomizing and spraying of a compositionor compositions.

In such an example atomizer 50 may include the PCB (e.g., 13)functioning as a controller of the atomizer 50. The PCB 13 in thisexample embodiment may include a processing unit 803, a memory 804(e.g., read-only memory, random access memory), and input/output (I/O)ports 805. The processing unit 803 may be communicatively coupled to thememory 804, which may store non-transitory, computer readable datarepresenting instructions executable by the processing unit 803 forperforming one or more control methods, where such control methods maybe based on parameters input into customization application 810, as willbe discussed in further detail below with regard to FIGS. 9A-9C.Examples of such control methods are depicted below with regard to FIGS.10-11, for example. The processing unit 803 may be communicativelycoupled to the I/O ports 805, which may communicatively couple theprocessing unit 803 to an actuator (not shown) of the motor (e.g., 6) ofthe air pump (e.g., 5). In some examples, the I/O ports 805 maycommunicatively couple the processing unit 803 to one or more valveactuators (not shown) of the composition chamber valve(s) (e.g., 41). Inthis way, the processing unit 803 may, based on instructions stored inthe memory 804, adjust position (e.g., closed or open, which in someexamples may correspond to retracted and extended positions,respectively) of one or more valves (e.g., 41) associated with thecomposition chamber(s) (e.g., 42), and may additionally or alternativelycontrol a speed of the motor (e.g., 6). Still further, the processingunit 803 may in some examples communicably couple to one or more nozzleactuators (not shown) associated with the nozzle (e.g., 30), which mayenable a radius of an orifice of the nozzle to be adjusted. Such controlstrategy may be particularly useful in cases where the head module(e.g., 70) includes a plurality of composition chambers (e.g., 42 a, 42b, 42 c), each of which store a composition of a different viscosity,for example. Along similar lines, operational status of the valve(s) maybe controlled at least in part based on viscosity of the composition(s)stored in the composition chamber(s), and the speed of the motor of theair pump may too be controlled at least in part based on viscosity ofthe composition(s) stored in the composition chamber(s).

Turning now to FIGS. 9A-9C, example screens of the customizationapplication (e.g., 810) for the atomizer (e.g., 50) are depicted.Briefly, it is herein recognized that different users of the atomizermay have different requirements in terms of respective quantities of oneor more of the mucin layer, the aqueous layer, and the lipid layerapplied to a cornea of the user, that may be sufficient for providingrelief from DES. In some examples, each eye of such a user may furtherrequire different respective quantities of one or more of the mucinlayer, the aqueous layer, and/or the lipid layer applied to the corneaof the user, for providing relief from DES. Accordingly, via use of thecustomization application (e.g., 810), a user may personally defineparameters for atomizing and spraying the composition or compositions inline with what has been found by the user to provide relief from DESsymptoms, as discussed in further detail below with regard to FIGS.9A-9C. Such parameters may be communicated to the controller (e.g., 13)of the atomizer via wired or wireless communication between thecustomization application and the atomizer, as discussed above.

Briefly, the customization application (e.g., 810) may include anability to input parameters including but not limited to 1) a desiredamount of each composition to apply to a particular eye or a desiredlocation as a function of time; 2) a desired sequence of application ofeach composition (e.g., adhesive layer followed by aqueous layerfollowed by oil layer, etc.) applied to a particular eye; 3) a desireddroplet size of the spray mist (e.g., 51) applied to a particular eye ofthe user, which may be defined by one or more of a radius of the nozzle(e.g., 30) and associated orifice of the atomizer (e.g., 50), and motorspeed (e.g., the speed of the motor, e.g., 6, of the air pump, e.g., 5);4) a desired duration of application of each composition to be appliedto a particular eye of the user; etc.

Referring now to FIG. 9A, a first example screen 900 of thecustomization application (e.g., 810) for the atomizer (e.g., 50) isdepicted on the remote computing device 801. It may be understood thatfirst example screen 900 is a simplified example, for illustrativepurposes. As depicted, first example screen 900 may be operable toreceive information relating to a new customization recipe. Discussedherein, a customization recipe may include information pertaining to anamount of each composition to be applied to a particular eye, a sequencefor applying compositions to a particular eye under circumstances wherethe customization recipe includes more than one composition, a viscosityand/or components of each composition, etc. Based on such information,the processing unit (e.g., 803) may control the process of atomizationand spraying of the composition or compositions to the eye of the user.For example, based on input from the customization application, a motorspeed may be controlled accordingly, a radius of the nozzle (e.g., 30)and associated orifice may be adjusted accordingly, one or more valve(s)(e.g., 41) associated with the composition chamber(s) (e.g., 42) may becontrolled accordingly, etc. For simplicity, only the amount(s) ofdesired compositions are depicted at FIG. 9A. For example, a user, suchas a patient or a medical professional, may enter a recipe name at 901and select an eye at 902. The user may enter an amount of a firstcomposition, for example the composition corresponding to the aqueouslayer of tear film, at 903, may enter an amount of a second composition,for example the composition corresponding to the oil layer, at 904, andmay enter an amount of a third composition, for example the compositioncorresponding to the adhesive layer, at 905. While this example includesoptions for customizing amounts of three compositions, in other examplesmore than three compositions may be selected from, without departingfrom the scope of this disclosure. In some examples, the user mayindicate whether or not a given composition is applicable or not (N/A)to the customization recipe at 906. The user may submit the inputtedinformation to the customization application at 907.

Referring now to FIG. 9B, a second example screen 920 of thecustomization application (e.g., 810) for the atomizer (e.g., 50) isdepicted on the remote computing device 801. It may be understood thatsecond example screen 920 is a simplified example, for illustrativepurposes. As depicted, second example screen 920 may store one or moresaved customization recipes, such that the user may select from thesaved customization recipes. It may be understood that a user of theatomizer may have different recipes corresponding to different days ofthe week, different times of a particular day, different recipes forwhether the user will spend time outdoors or indoors, different recipesfor each eye, etc. The user, such as the patient or the medicalprofessional, may select one of the one or more stored customizationrecipes by way of a menu, such as a drop-down menu, at 921. It may beunderstood that the stored customization recipes as depicted at FIG. 9Bmay be generated based on information provided to first example screen900 as described above with reference to FIG. 9A.

Referring now to FIG. 9C, a third example screen 940 of thecustomization application (e.g., 810) for the atomizer (e.g., 50) isdepicted on the remote computing device 801. It may be understood thatthird example screen 940 is a simplified example, for illustrativepurposes. Third example screen 940 may be operable to displayinformation relating to the stored customization recipes depicted atFIG. 9B. For example, at second example screen 920 the user may select aparticular saved customization recipe, and at third example screen 940the information pertaining to the saved customization recipe may bedisplayed, which may for example include the specified amount(s) of eachcomposition to apply to a particular eye, the sequence of application ofcomposition(s) to a particular eye, etc. Third example screen 940 mayfurther include a selection option for initiating the atomization andspraying process for the particular selected recipe. For example, afirst selection option 945 may initiate the process of atomizing andspraying the particular recipe for the left eye, and a second selectionoption 946 may initiate the process of atomizing and spraying theparticular recipe for the right eye. The controller (e.g., 13) of theatomizer may receive the instructions from the customization applicationand may atomize and spray the composition(s) in accordance with thereceived instructions. In some examples where the process of atomizationis initiated through the customization application as discussed withregard to FIG. 9C, there may be a time delay between the user selectingto initiate the atomization process and the atomizer actually atomizingand spraying the desired/selected composition. The time delay may enablethe controller to adjust the radius of the nozzle (e.g., 30), as anexample, although in other examples the radius of the nozzle may beadjusted under a different control command from the customizationapplication and controller. The time delay may also allow for the userto properly position the atomizer with respect to the eye of the user,so that the user is prepared for the incoming spray mist (e.g., 51) at atime of delivery. In one example, the time delay may comprise 5 seconds.In another example, the time delay may comprise 10 seconds. In anotherexample, the time delay may comprise 3 seconds. In still other examples,the time delay may be a parameter that the user may select or input intothe customization application. In some examples where a sequence ofcompositions is desired, there may be another time delay betweenapplication of different compositions, which may each be of similarduration as that discussed above. Similar to that discussed above, suchdurations may be in some examples selectable or customized by the user,such as the patient or the medical professional.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a method 1000 for delivering the one or morefilm layers that mimic layers of tear film to an eye via the atomizer(e.g., 50), is depicted. The method 1000 will be described withreference to the atomizer systems described herein, though it may beunderstood that similar methods may be applied to other systems withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. It may be understood thatthe method of FIG. 10 relates to use of an atomizer where the headmodule (e.g., 70) is detachable from the body module (e.g., 60), wherethe head module includes a single composition chamber (e.g., 42),similar to the atomizer illustrated at FIG. 2. For the example method ofFIG. 10, certain steps may be conducted via a user of the atomizer whileother steps may include instructions received from the customizationapplication (e.g., 810). Steps that are controlled via such instructionsare specifically mentioned in the below description with regard to FIG.10.

At 1002, a user may select a composition to apply to an eye or eyes(e.g., cornea(s)). Selecting the composition may include selecting froma first composition that mimics the aqueous layer of tear film, a secondcomposition that mimics the oil layer of tear film, and a thirdcomposition that mimics the adhesive layer of tear film, for example. Insome examples, selecting the composition at 1002 may include selectingwhich composition to apply first based on a desire to sequentially layerthe eye or eyes with different compositions.

Upon selecting the composition, the user may then attach an appropriatehead module (e.g., 70) to the body module (e.g., 60). For example, theremay be a set of removable head modules (e.g., three or more differenthead modules), where each head module from the set is specified forreceiving a particular composition. As a representative example, a firsthead module may be configured specifically for the first composition(e.g., aqueous composition), a second head module may be configuredspecifically for the second composition (e.g., lipid composition), and athird head module may be configured specifically for the thirdcomposition (e.g., adhesive composition). More specifically, a radius ofthe nozzle (e.g., 30) for each head module may be specific for theparticular composition specified to be included in the given headmodule. In other words, because compositions corresponding to each ofthe tear film layers may differ, and therefore viscosities of thecompositions may differ, the radius of the nozzle for each head modulemay be specific for the corresponding composition specified to beincluded in the particular head module. While not explicitly illustratedat step 1002, it may be understood that if the head module correspondingto the selected composition is not already filled with the selectedcomposition, then the user may fill the composition chamber (e.g., 42)included in the head module with the selected composition. Filling thecomposition chamber may include adding the composition directly to thecomposition chamber from another external container or, in otherexamples, may include the user inserting a pre-filled vial, capsule, orcartridge that stores the selected composition into the appropriatecomposition chamber included in the head module.

Proceeding to 1004, with the head module (e.g., 70) attached, the usermay input into the customization application (e.g., 810) which headmodule is attached for use. The customization application may thendetermine the appropriate corresponding motor speed (that is, the speedof the motor, e.g., 6, of the air pump, e.g., 5) for atomizing andspraying the selected composition, the motor speed determination afunction of the viscosity of the composition specific to the particularhead module. While in this example methodology the motor speed may bedetermined based on the input from the user pertaining to head moduleinto the customization application, in other examples the body modulemay include a sensing means (not shown) which can interpret which headmodule is attached, and correspondingly control motor speed accordingly.

Continuing to 1006, method 1000 may include the customizationapplication (e.g., 810) communicating instructions to the controller(e.g., 13) as to the motor speed for atomizing and spraying the selectedcomposition. As discussed above, such communication of instructions maybe via wired or wireless communication. With such instructions receivedat the controller, method 1000 may proceed to 1008.

At 1008, method 1000 may include atomizing and spraying the selectedcomposition. Specifically, the user of the atomizer (e.g., 50) mayinitiate the process of atomizing and spraying the selected compositionby actuating (e.g., depressing, sliding, rotating, etc.) an atomizationactuator (e.g., button, knob, slidable actuator, etc.) that in turnactivates the motor (e.g., 6) of the air pump (e.g., 5) at theinstructed motor speed. In some examples, actuation of the atomizationactuator (e.g., 20) may additionally fluidically couple the compositionchamber (e.g., 42) with the process chamber (e.g., 33). The compositionand air flow from the air pump may then be routed to the process chamberbefore exiting the nozzle (e.g., 30) as the spray mist (e.g., 51) forlayering the cornea with the selected composition. In such an examplewhere the atomization actuator is actuated via the user, the user mayagain actuate the atomization actuator to stop the process of atomizingand spraying the composition. Thus, in such an example, an amount of thecomposition applied to the eye of the user, and duration that thecomposition is applied to the eye of the user, is regulated via theuser. In other examples, the controller (e.g., 13) may automaticallystop the process of atomization after a predetermined duration, or basedon instructions received from the customization application (e.g., 810).

After atomizing and spraying the selected composition, method 1000 mayproceed to 1010. At 1010, method 1000 may include the user determiningif the layer just applied corresponding to the selected composition isthe last or final layer that is desired by the user to be applied to theeye of the user. If not, then method 1000 may return to 1002, whereanother composition may be selected by the user. In such a case, theuser may then detach the head module (e.g., 70) currently attached tothe body module (e.g., 60), may select which composition to apply to theeye next, and may then attach the appropriate head module correspondingto the next selected composition to the body module. Such a process maybe repeated any number of times, depending on the user.

While the above-described methodology is directed to an application fortreating DES, it may be understood that other applications are withinthe scope of this disclosure. For example, rather than the compositionscorresponding to compositions that mimic tear film layers, in otherexamples the compositions may correspond to lotions, day/night creams,essences, etc. A similar methodology as that depicted at FIG. 10 may beused in such examples without departing from the scope of thisdisclosure. However, it may be understood that different head modules(e.g., 70) may be used for other applications, where the different headmodules for the other applications are specific to each compositionincluded therein for atomization.

Turning now to FIG. 11, another method 1100 for delivering one or morefilm layers to the eye via the atomizer (e.g., 50), is depicted, whereinthe head module (e.g., 70) of the atomizer includes a plurality ofcomposition chambers (e.g., 42 a, 42 b, 42 c). Accordingly, method 1100may relate to an atomizer such as that depicted illustratively at FIG.3, for example. Method 1100 will be described with reference to thesystems described herein, though it may be understood that similarmethods may be applied to other systems without departing from the scopeof this disclosure. Further, certain steps of the method 1100 depictedat FIG. 11 may be carried out via the controller (e.g., 13), and may bestored at the controller (e.g., a controller implemented by one or moremicro-computer processors) as executable instructions in non-transitorymemory. Instructions for carrying out method 1100 may be executed by thecontroller based on instructions stored on a memory (e.g., 804) and inconjunction with instructions received from a remote computing device(e.g., 801) running the customization application (e.g., 810) for usewith the atomizer. The controller may employ one or more actuators toadjust operations of one or more elements described herein. Morespecifically, the controller may control open and closed positions ofvalve(s) (e.g., 41) for each composition chamber, may control a radiusof the nozzle (e.g., 30), and may control a speed of the motor (e.g., 6)of the air pump (e.g., 5), for example.

At 1101, method 1100 may include the controller (e.g., 13) receivinginstructions from the customization application (e.g., 810), theinstructions related to a user-defined, or medical-professional defined,set of parameters for forming one or more tear film layers on an eye ofa user of the atomizer. As discussed above, such instructions may bereceived via wired or wireless communication between a remote computingdevice (e.g., 801) that runs the customization application, and thecontroller of the atomizer (e.g., 50).

With the instructions received at 1101, method 1100 may proceed to 1102.At 1102, method 1100 may include selecting a composition to atomize andspray from a plurality of compositions respectively stored in theplurality of composition chambers (e.g., 42 a, 42 b, 42 c). Theselecting at 1102 may be via the controller (e.g., 13) based on theinstructions received from the customization application (e.g., 810).

Continuing to 1104, method 1100 may include the controller determining amotor speed appropriate for atomizing and spraying the selectedcomposition. At 1104, method 1100 may further include the controllerdetermining a nozzle radius appropriate for atomizing and spraying theselected composition. It may be understood that both the motor speed andthe radius of the nozzle (e.g., 30) may be determined as a function of aviscosity of the selected composition. That is, both the motor speed andthe radius of the nozzle may be adjustable as a function of whichcomposition is selected.

Proceeding to 1106, method 1100 may include adjusting the radius of thenozzle (e.g., 30) based on the selected composition. More specifically,the controller (e.g., 13) may send a signal to an actuator or actuatorsassociated with the nozzle, thereby actuating the nozzle to be adjustedin terms of a radius appropriate for the selected composition.

Following adjustments to the nozzle (e.g., 30), method 1100 may proceedto 1108. At 1108, method 1100 may include atomizing and spraying aparticular amount of the selected composition to deliver the desiredfilm layer to the eye of the user of the atomizer (e.g., 50). Theparticular amount may originate as a parameter input into thecustomization application (e.g., 810), for example. However, in otherexamples, the particular amount may comprise a default amount, withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. The particular amount (ordefault amount in other examples) may be a function of a duration thatthe composition chamber storing the selected composition is fluidicallycoupled to the process chamber (e.g., 33), for example. For example, thecomposition chamber may be fluidically coupled to the process chamber torelease a desired amount of the selected composition into the processchamber (by way of the intermediary chamber, e.g., 43), at which pointthe composition chamber storing the selected composition may be sealedoff from the process chamber. In other words, the controller may exertoperational control over a position of a valve (e.g., 41) associatedwith the composition chamber storing the selected composition, tocontrol an amount of the selected composition to be atomized andsprayed. Accordingly, at 1110, method 1100 includes the controller(e.g., 13) commanding open the valve associated with the compositionchamber storing the selected composition to release the desired amountof the selected composition into the process chamber (by way of theintermediary chamber), after which the valve may be commanded closed viathe controller. However, in other examples, the valve may be maintainedopen during the process of atomizing and spraying the selectedcomposition, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Insuch an example where the valve is kept open, the amount atomized andsprayed may be based on a time frame which the motor (e.g., 6) of theair pump (e.g., 5) is activated, and where the valve may be closed uponthe motor of the air pump being deactivated.

At 1112, method 1100 may include the controller (e.g., 13) commandingthe motor (e.g., 6) of the air pump (e.g., 5) to operate in order tosupply the air flow from the air pump to the process chamber (e.g., 33)via the air passage (e.g., 46). The speed at which the motor of the airpump is operated may be retrieved from step 1104 of method 1100. Asmentioned briefly above, the time frame for which the motor is activatedmay be a function of the desired amount of the selected composition tobe atomized and sprayed onto the eye of the user. In this way, theselected composition may be atomized and sprayed as the spray mist(e.g., 51) onto the eye of the user to apply a layer, or film layer,that mimics a tear film layer. While not explicitly illustrated, theuser may initiate the atomization and spraying process via one ofpressing the atomization actuator (e.g., 20) associated with the headmodule (e.g., 70), or instructing the atomization and spraying processto commence via an option included in the customization application(e.g., 810), as discussed above.

With the selected composition atomized and sprayed onto the eye of theuser, method 1100 may continue to 1116. At 1116, it may be determined asto whether the layer applied to the eye of the user is the final layerdesired by the user to be applied. If so, method 1100 may end. Forexample, the atomizer may be turned off or deactivated to reduce powerconsumption. Alternatively, if at 1116 it is determined via thecontroller (e.g., 13) that another composition is desired to be sprayedonto the eye of the user to form another layer, then method 1100 mayreturn to step 1102 where the method may repeat in order to apply thenew layer. Upon the final layer being indicated as applied, method 1100may end as discussed above.

Referring now to FIG. 12A, a first view 1200 depicts the atomizer 50. Asshown, the atomizer 50 may include the body module 60 and the cap 1,where the cap 1 may be removably coupled to the body module 60. The cap1 may prevent accidental actuation of the atomizer 50 when being carriedor held. Further, the cap 1 may prevent damage to the head module (e.g.,70) (disposed underneath the cap 1 in the first view 1200).

Referring now to FIG. 12B, a second view 1220 depicts the atomizer 50.As shown, the cap 1 may be detached and separated, exposing the headmodule 70. In some examples, the head module 70 may have a compositiondisposed therein. The body module 60 may be removably and mechanicallycoupled to the head module 70. As such, the head module 70 may beinterchangeable with another head module 70 when, for example, the headmodule 70 is emptied of the composition, or another composition isdesired.

Referring now to FIG. 12C, a view 1240 depicts the head module 70 andthe body module 60 of the atomizer (e.g., 50). As shown, the head module70 may be detached and separated from the body module 60. Mechanicalfasteners 17 may be included in the head module 70. Specifically, afirst mechanical fastener 17 a and a second mechanical fastener 17 b maybe coupled to a head casing 24 of the head module 70. Further,mechanical fastener receiving elements 16 may be included in the bodymodule 60 to receive the mechanical fasteners 17. Specifically, a firstmechanical fastener receiving element 16 a and a second mechanicalfastener receiving element 16 b may each be positioned on a top face ofa body casing 9 of the body module 60. Insertion of the first mechanicalfastener 17 a into the first mechanical fastener receiving element 16 aand insertion of the second mechanical fastener 17 b into the secondmechanical fastener receiving element 16 b may thereby mechanicallycouple the head module 70 to the body module 60.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an exploded view 1300 depicts the body module60 of the atomizer (e.g., 50). Components of the body module 60 depictedin the exploded view 1300 may be included within the body casing 9. Thebody casing 9 may include three portions, specifically, a front bodycasing 9 a, a bottom body casing 9 b, and a back body casing 9 c. Assuch, the front body casing 9 a, the bottom body casing 9 b, and theback body casing 9 c may correspond to a front face, a bottom face, anda back face of the body module 60, respectively.

The body module 60 may include the air pump 5 with the motor (e.g., 6),where an air outlet 5 a at least partially disposed within the air pump5 may be fluidically coupled to the process chamber (e.g., 33) of thehead module (e.g., 70) via the air passage (e.g., 46) of the processchamber 33. Further, the body module 60 may include a pump-to-headconnector 4. The pump-to-head connector 4 may extend along the verticalaxis 202 upwards from the body module 60 to the process chamber 33 ofthe head module 70. As shown, the pump-to-head connector 4 may be atleast partially disposed around a protruding portion of the air outlet 5a. The pump-to-head connecter 4 may function to further secure the headmodule 70 to the body module 60.

The body module 60 may further include the battery 8. The battery 8 maybe a rechargeable battery. The battery 8 may be electrically coupled tothe motor (e.g., 6) of the air pump 5. The battery 8 may be positionedbelow the air pump 5 with respect to the vertical axis 202.

The body module 60 may further include the PCB 13 and a first spacer 14.A link rod (described below with reference to FIG. 14) of the headmodule (e.g., 70) may mechanically engage with the PCB 13 via a firstspacer 14. Specifically, the first spacer 14 may be at least partiallydisposed on a front face of the PCB 13, and between the PCB 13 and thelink rod of the head module 70. The PCB 13 may be electrically coupledto the motor (e.g., 6) of the air pump 5. When the link rod of the headmodule 70 mechanically engages with the PCB 13, the PCB 13 may therebyactivate the motor 6 of the air pump 5 to produce an air flow to theprocess chamber (e.g., 33) of the head module 70. The PCB 13 may operatethe motor 6 of the air pump 5 in a speed range from 100 RPM to 110,000RPM. A speed at which the motor 6 of the air pump 5 operates may becontrolled by the PCB 13 such that the speed corresponds to a viscosityof a composition stored in the head module 70 to be atomized.

The body module 60 may further include a power light source 3 which maybe electrically coupled to the PCB 13. The power light source 3 may beannular in shape, encircling the pump-to-head connector 4. The powerlight source 3 may be positioned on the front body casing 9 a, such thatat least a portion of the power light source 3 may be exposed to anexternal surface of the body module 60. The power light source 3 mayilluminate in response to activation of the motor (e.g., 6) of the airpump 5.

The body module 60 may further include a charging circuit board 11 and acharging light source 12. The charging circuit board 11 may be disposedbelow the PCB 13 with respect to the vertical axis 202, above the bottombody casing 9 b with respect to the vertical axis 202, and behind thebattery 8 with respect to the front-to-back axis 201. The battery 8 maybe electrically coupled to the charging circuit board 11. Further, thecharging light source 12 may be electrically coupled to the chargingcircuit board 11 and may be disposed between the PCB 13 and the backbody casing 9 b. When lit, the charging light source 12 may indicate acharging status of the battery 8.

The body module 60 may further include a second spacer 7, a third spacer15, a plurality of fasteners 10, and a top ring 2. The second spacer 7may be disposed along the front-to-back axis 201 between the battery 8and the front body casing 9 a. The third spacer 15 may be disposed on abottom face of the air pump 5. The plurality of fasteners 10 may holdvarious components of the body module 60 to one another. The top ring 2may be positioned on top of the body casing 9 with respect to thevertical axis 202.

Referring now to FIG. 14, an exploded view 1400 depicts the head module70 of the atomizer (e.g., 50). A plurality of components of the headmodule 70 depicted in the exploded view 1300 may be included within thehead casing 24.

The head module 70 may include a composition chamber 21, a first lid 19for the composition chamber 21, a second lid 18 for the compositionchamber 21, and a ring spacer 22. The composition chamber 21 may includean upper compartment 21 a and a lower compartment 21 b, where the uppercompartment 21 a may be disposed on top of the lower compartment 21 bwith respect to the vertical axis 202. Further, the upper compartment 21a may sealingly engage with the lower compartment 21 b such that acomposition stored within the composition chamber 21 may not leakbetween the upper compartment 21 a and the lower compartment 21 b. Thefirst lid 19 may sealingly engage with the upper compartment 21 a suchthat the composition stored with the composition chamber 21 may not leakbetween the upper compartment 21 a and the first lid 19. Further, thefirst lid 19 may be composed of silicone. The second lid 18 may includeone or more male connectors 18 a extending from a bottom face of thesecond lid 18. The one or more male connectors 18 a may sealingly engagewith one or more female connectors 19 a associated with a top face ofthe first lid 19. Further, the ring spacer 22 may be disposed below thelower compartment 21 b and above the process chamber 33 with respect tothe vertical axis 202. The ring spacer 22 may prevent leakage of thecomposition when the composition passes from the composition chamber 21to the process chamber 33 for atomization.

The head module 70 may further include the process chamber 33, a needlevalve assembly 80, a front frame 25, a front cover 28, a sealing element32, a needle valve cover 34, and a first spring 35. The process chamber33 may be positioned below the composition chamber 21 with respect tothe vertical axis 202. The process chamber 33 may include the airpassage 46, which may fluidically couple to the air pump (e.g., 5) ofthe body module (e.g., 60) via the air outlet (e.g., 5 a) of the airpump 5. The process chamber 33 may further include a first groove 33 aand a second groove 33 b. It will be understood that the second groove33 b, though not visible in the exploded view 1400, may be of a mirroredconfiguration of the first groove 33 a, and may be disposed on a secondouter face of the process chamber 33 opposite a first outer face of theprocess chamber 33 including the first groove 33 a along the horizontalaxis 203.

The needle valve assembly 80 may be included within the process chamber33. The needle valve assembly 80 may extend along the front-to-back axis201. Further, the needle valve assembly 80 may include a micro nozzle 30and a needle 31, where the needle 31 may be at least partially disposedwithin the micro nozzle 30. The micro nozzle 30 may have an orifice 30 apositioned at the front frame 25.

The front cover 28 may be disposed between the micro nozzle 30 and thefront frame 25 with respect to the front-to-back axis 201. The sealingelement 32 may be disposed between the needle 31 and the needle valvecover 34 with respect to the front-to-back axis 201. The needle valvecover 34 may include a first prong 34 a and a second prong 34 b thatextend along the front-to-back axis 201. The first prong 34 a and thesecond prong 34 b of the needle valve cover 34 may slidingly engagealong the front-to-back axis 201 with the first groove 33 a and thesecond groove 33 b of the process chamber 33, respectively. The needlevalve cover 34 may include a first prong 34 c and a second prong 34 d.It will be understood that the second prong 34 d, though not visible inthe exploded view 1400, may be of a mirrored configuration of the firstprong 34 c, and may be disposed on a second outer face of the needlevalve cover 34 opposite a first outer face of the needle valve cover 34including the first prong 34 c along the horizontal axis 203. The needlevalve cover 34 may further be mechanically coupled to each of the needle31 and the first spring 35 such that the needle valve cover 34 may bedisposed between the needle 31 and the first spring 35 with respect tothe front-to-back axis 201. The first spring 35 may bias the needle 31to a fully seated position within the nozzle 30.

The head module 70 may further include an atomization actuator 20, alink rod 36, a hinged connector 27, and a body frame 26. The atomizationactuator 20 may be depressible. The link rod 36 may extend along thevertical axis 202 from the head module 70 to the body module 60.Further, the link rod 36 may be selectively mechanically coupled to theatomization actuator 20 such that the atomization actuator 20 and thelink rod 36 together may depress in a direction 1401 parallel to thevertical axis 202. The link rod 36 may include a link rod groove 36 adisposed on a lower portion of the link rod 36 with respect to thevertical axis 202.

The hinged connector 27 may include a first pin 27 a and a second pin 27b. It will be understood that the second pin 27 b, though not visible inthe exploded view 1400, may be of a mirrored configuration of the firstpin 27 a, and may be disposed on a second outer face of the hingedconnector 27 opposite a first outer face of the hinged connector 27including the first pin 27 a along the horizontal axis 203. The hingedconnector 27 may further include a first fin 27 c and a second fin 27 dthat extend along the vertical axis 202. The hinged connector 27 mayfurther include a connecting element 27 e positioned along thefront-to-back axis 201. The connecting element 27 e may fit into thelink rod groove 36 a such that downward movement of the link rod 36 inthe direction 1401 rotationally mechanically engages the hingedconnector 27 via the connecting element 27 e. Upon mechanicalengagement, the hinged connector 27 may rotate in a direction 1402around a rotational axis, where the rotational axis is parallel with thehorizontal axis 203. The hinged connector 27 may then mechanicallyengage with the needle valve cover 34 to compress the first spring 35 ina direction 1403 parallel with the front-to-back axis 201. Specifically,the first fin 27 c and the second fin 27 d of the hinged connector 27may contact the first prong 34 c and the second prong 34 d of the needlevalve cover 34. When the first spring 35 is compressed, the needle 31may be unseated from the fully seated position in the nozzle 30, movingin the direction 1403. When the composition stored in the compositionchamber 21 has been passed to the process chamber 23, the needle 31 hasbeen unseated from the fully seated position in the nozzle 30, and themotor (e.g., 6) of the air pump (e.g., 5) has been activated, thecomposition may interact with the air from the air pump 5 and exit theorifice 30 a as the spray mist (e.g., 51).

The process chamber 33 may be surrounded by the body frame 26. The bodyframe 26 may include a first female acceptor element 26 a and a secondfemale acceptor element 26 b. It will be understood that the secondfemale acceptor element 26 b, though not visible in the exploded view1400, may be of a mirrored configuration of the first female acceptorelement 26 a, and may be disposed on a second outer face of the bodyframe 26 opposite a first outer face of the body frame 26 including thefirst female acceptor element 26 a along the horizontal axis 203. Thefirst female acceptor element 26 a and the second female acceptorelement 26 b of the body frame 26 may receive the first pin 27 a and thesecond pin 27 b of the hinged connector 27, respectively.

The head module 70 may further include the first mechanical fastener 17a, the second mechanical fastener 17 b, a second spring 23 a, and athird spring 23 b. The first mechanical fastener 17 a may be biased to afirst locked position via the second spring 23 a. Further, the secondmechanical fastener 17 b may be biased to a second locked position viathe third spring 23 b. When the head module 70 is attached to the bodymodule (e.g., 60), compression of the second spring 23 a may disengageand release the first mechanical fastener 17 a from the first mechanicalfastener receiving element 16 a of the body module 60. Further, when thehead module 70 is attached to the body module 60, compression of thethird spring 23 b may disengage and release the second mechanicalfastener 17 b from the second mechanical fastener receiving element 16 bof the body module 60.

The head module 70 may further include a plurality of fasteners 29. Theplurality of fasteners 29 may hold various components of the body module60 to one another.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a first cross-sectional view 1500 depicts theatomizer 50. As shown, the body module 60 may be positioned below thehead module 70 with respect to the vertical axis 202. Further, and asshown, the cap 1 may cover the head module 70. The first mechanicalfastener 17 a and the second mechanical fastener 17 b are shown as beingmechanically coupled to the first mechanical fastener receiving element16 a and the second mechanical fastener receiving element 16 b,respectively.

The battery 8 may be positioned below the air pump 5 with respect to thevertical axis 202. Further, the air pump 5 may be positioned below thepump-to-head connector 4 with respect to the vertical axis 202. In thefirst cross-sectional view 1500, the PCB 13 is shown as partiallyobscured by the battery 8, the air pump 5, and the pump-to-headconnector 4.

The second lid 18 may be positioned above the composition chamber 21with respect to the vertical axis 202. In the first cross-sectional view1500, the second lid 18 is shown as being engaged with the compositionchamber 21. Further, the composition chamber 21 may be positioned abovethe process chamber 33 with respect to the vertical axis 202. Thecomposition chamber 21 may include the composition passage 45 which maycouple to the process chamber 33. As such, the process chamber 33 may befluidically coupled to the composition chamber 21 via the compositionpassage 45. A composition stored in the composition chamber 21 may passinto the process chamber 33 and may exit the atomizer 50 via the orifice30 a during an atomization. Further, and as shown, the first fin 27 cand the second fin 27 d of the hinged connector 27 may contact the firstprong 34 c and the second prong 34 d of the needle valve cover 34.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a second cross-sectional view 1600 depicts theatomizer 50. As shown, the body module 60 may be positioned below thehead module 70 with respect to the vertical axis 202. Further, and asshown, the cap 1 may cover the head module 70.

Various components of the body module 60 may be supported by one or moreof the front body casing 9 a, the bottom body casing 9 b, and the backbody casing 9 c. The air pump 5 may be positioned below the pump-to-headconnector 4 with respect to the vertical axis 202. The air pump 5 mayinclude the air outlet 5 a, which may couple to the air passage 46 ofthe process chamber 33. As such, the process chamber 33 may befluidically coupled to the air pump 5 via the air passage 46 and the airoutlet 5 a.

The battery 8 may be positioned below the air pump 5 with respect to thevertical axis 202. The charging circuit board 11 may be positioned belowthe charging light source 12 with respect to the vertical axis 202. Acharging port 37 may be included in the back body casing 9 c such thatan external power source may selectively couple to the charging circuitboard 11. Further, an aperture 9 d may be included in the back bodycasing 9 c above the charging port 37 with respect to the vertical axis202 such that the charging light source 12 may be visible, and maycommunicate the charging status of the battery 8. The PCB 13 may bepositioned above the charging circuit board 11 with respect to thevertical axis 202. Further, the first spacer 14 may be disposed on a topportion of the PCB 13 relative to the vertical axis 202.

The atomization actuator 20 may be disposed above the link rod 36 withrespect to the vertical axis 202. Further, the link rod 36 may bedisposed above the first spacer 14 with respect to the vertical axis202. Upon actuation (e.g., depression) of the atomization actuator 20,the link rod 36 may mechanically engage with the PCB 13 via the firstspacer 14. The link rod groove 36 a of the link rod 36 may furthermechanically engage with the connecting element 27 e of the hingedconnector 27.

The second lid 18 may be positioned above the first lid 19 with respectto the vertical axis 202. Further, the first lid 19 may be positionedabove the composition chamber 21 with respect to the vertical axis 202.In the second cross-sectional view 1600, the second lid 18 and the firstlid 19 are shown as together being engaged with the composition chamber21. The composition chamber 21 may be positioned above the processchamber 33 with respect to the vertical axis 202. The compositionchamber 21 may include the composition passage 45 which may couple tothe process chamber 33. As such, the process chamber 33 may befluidically coupled to the composition chamber 21 via the compositionpassage 45. A composition stored in the composition chamber 21 may passinto the process chamber 33 and may exit the atomizer 50 via the orifice30 a of the nozzle 30 during an atomization. Specifically, uponcompression of the first spring 35, the needle 31 may be unseated fromthe fully seated position in the nozzle 30, allowing the composition toexit the atomizer 50. Further, the needle valve cover 34, disposedbetween the needle 31 and the first spring 35 along the front-to-backaxis 201, may move in tandem with the needle 31 and the compression ofthe first spring 35.

In this way, an atomizer may atomize one or more compositions to deliverone or more film layers to a cornea of an eye. The atomizer may includea head module and a body module, wherein the head module is detachablefrom the body module. In one example, multiple, interchangeable headmodules may be respectively adapted to one of the one or morecompositions. In another example, a single head module may applymultiple compositions by means of an adjustable nozzle. In this case, aradius of the nozzle may be adjusted based upon a viscosity of aselected composition. In either example head module, a speed of a motorof an air pump pumping air for the atomization may further be adjustedbased upon the viscosity of the selected composition. The technicaleffect of controlling the atomization based upon the viscosity of theselected composition is that multiple compositions of varyingviscosities may be applied utilizing a single device. Said another way,an identity of the composition may be utilized to determine one or moreoperating parameters of the atomizer such that a tear film may begenerated and applied to the cornea of the eye which appropriatelymimics biological tear film layers of varying viscosities.

In one example, a method for creating a biomimicry tear film on acornea, the method comprising forming a multilayered tear film thatincludes forming a first smooth conformal biomimicry tear film layer onthe cornea. In a first example of the method, the method furtherincludes wherein the first smooth conformal biomimicry tear film layeris an adhesive layer. A second example of the method, optionallyincluding the first example of the method, further includes whereinforming the multilayered tear film further includes forming a secondsmooth conformal biomimicry tear film layer on the first smoothconformal biomimicry tear film layer. A third example of the method,optionally including one or both of the first and second examples of themethod, further includes wherein the second smooth conformal biomimicrytear film layer is an aqueous layer. A fourth example of the method,optionally including one or more of the first through third examples ofthe method, further includes wherein forming the multilayered tear filmfurther includes forming a third smooth conformal biomimicry tear filmlayer on the second smooth conformal biomimicry tear film layer. A fifthexample of the method, optionally including one or more of the firstthrough fourth examples of the method, further includes wherein thethird smooth conformal biomimicry tear film layer is an oil layer. Asixth example of the method, optionally including one or more of thefirst through fifth examples of the method, further includes whereineach of the first smooth conformal biomimicry tear film layer, thesecond smooth conformal biomimicry tear film layer, and the third smoothconformal biomimicry tear film layer have a thickness ranging from asingle molecule to several molecules (ranging from approximately a fewmicrons to 250 microns), and wherein the thickness of each of the firstsmooth conformal biomimicry tear film layer, the second smoothbiomimicry tear film layer, and the third smooth conformal biomimicrytear film layer is user-defined. A seventh example of the method,optionally including one or more of the first through sixth examples ofthe method, further includes wherein the first smooth conformalbiomimicry tear film layer is formed from a first composition, whereinthe second smooth conformal biomimicry tear film layer is formed from asecond composition, and wherein the third smooth conformal biomimicrytear film layer is formed from a third composition, wherein the firstcomposition includes mucin or mucin-like proteins or molecules, whereinthe second composition includes water and one or more electrolytes, andwherein the third composition comprises one or more of phospholipids,cholesterols, cholesterol esters, triglycerides, castor oil, mineraloil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, unsaturated lipids, hyaluronic acid, soyoil, petrolatum, waxes, anhydrous lanolin, lanolin, oleaginousingredients, liposomes, ophthalmic emollients, demulcents, and syntheticmaterials. A eighth example of the method, optionally including one ormore of the first through seventh examples of the method, furthercomprises using an atomizer to form the multilayered tear film. A ninthexample of the method, optionally including one or more of the firstthrough eighth examples of the method, further comprises using amicroelectromechanical systems module to form the multilayered tearfilm. A tenth example of the method, optionally including one or more ofthe first through ninth examples of the method, further includes whereinthe multilayered tear film that is formed is optically transparent.

In another example, a system for creating a biomimicry tear film on acornea, the system comprising a first composition for forming a firstlayer of the biomimicry tear film, a second composition for forming asecond layer of the biomimicry tear film, a third composition forforming a third layer of the biomimicry tear film, and an atomizer foratomizing and spraying the first composition, the second composition,and the third composition to create the biomimicry tear film on thecornea. In a first example of the system, the system further includeswherein the first composition includes mucin or mucin-like proteins ormolecules that include a cytoplasmic domain, a membrane-spanning domain,and an extracellular domain. A second example of the system, optionallyincluding the first example of the system, further includes wherein thesecond composition includes water and one or more electrolytes. A thirdexample of the system, optionally including one or both of the first andsecond examples of the system, further includes wherein the thirdcomposition includes components selected from a group comprisingphospholipids, cholesterols, cholesterol esters, triglycerides, castoroil, mineral oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, unsaturated lipids, hyaluronicacid, soy oil, petrolatum, waxes, anhydrous lanolin, lanolin, oleaginousingredients, liposomes, ophthalmic emollients, demulcents, and syntheticmaterials. A fourth example of the system, optionally including one ormore of the first through third examples of the system, further includeswherein the third composition includes one or more lipid-solublevitamins. A fifth example of the system, optionally including one ormore of the first through fourth examples of the system, furthercomprises an air pump included within the atomizer, and whereinatomizing and spraying the first composition, the second composition,and the third composition includes activating the air pump. A sixthexample of the system, optionally including one or more of the firstthrough fifth examples of the system, further includes wherein the thirdlayer comprises an outermost layer with respect to the cornea, whereinthe first layer is disposed adjacent to the cornea, and wherein thesecond layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer.

In another example, an apparatus for creating a biomimicry tear film ona cornea, the apparatus comprising an air pump operable via a motor, atleast one composition chamber, and a controller that stores user-definedinstructions for operating the air pump to atomize and spray a firstcomposition to form a first layer on the cornea that comprises anadhesive layer of the biomimicry tear film, a second composition to forma second layer on the first layer that comprises an aqueous layer of thebiomimicry tear film, and a third composition to form a third layer onthe second layer that comprises an oil layer of the biomimicry tearfilm. In a first example of the apparatus, the apparatus furtherincludes wherein the first composition includes mucin or mucin-likeproteins or molecules that include a cytoplasmic domain, amembrane-spanning domain, and an extracellular domain, wherein thesecond composition includes water and one or more electrolytes, andwherein the third composition comprises one or more of phospholipids,cholesterols, cholesterol esters, triglycerides, castor oil, mineraloil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, unsaturated lipids, hyaluronic acid, soyoil, petrolatum, waxes, anhydrous lanolin, lanolin, oleaginousingredients, liposomes, ophthalmic emollients, demulcents, and syntheticmaterials.

In another example, a method for treating dry eye syndrome using anatomizer comprises routing a composition stored in a composition chamberof the atomizer into a process chamber of the atomizer via a compositionpathway, routing an air flow from an air pump that includes a motor intothe process chamber via an air pathway, controlling a speed of a motorand in turn a rate of the air flow based on the composition stored inthe composition chamber, establishing an exit pathway where acombination of the composition and the air flow exit the atomizer as aspray mist, and applying the spray mist to a cornea of a user of theatomizer. In a first example of the method, the method further includeswherein controlling the speed of the motor based on the compositionfurther comprises increasing the speed of the motor as a viscosity ofthe composition increases, and decreasing a speed of the motor as theviscosity of the composition decreases. A second example of the method,optionally including the first example of the method, further includeswherein establishing the exit pathway includes controlling a needlevalve assembly that includes a needle and a nozzle, the needle valveassembly included in the process chamber, and wherein controlling theneedle valve assembly includes unseating the needle from a fully seatedposition in the nozzle to establish the exit pathway. A third example ofthe method, optionally including one or both of the first and secondexamples of the method, further includes wherein routing the compositionstored in the composition chamber into the process chamber includesopening a valve that, when closed, prevents the composition from beingrouted into the process chamber. A fourth example of the method,optionally including one or more of the first through third examples ofthe method, further includes wherein routing the composition stored inthe composition chamber into the process chamber includes opening avalve that, when closed, prevents the composition from being routed intothe process chamber. A fifth example of the method, optionally includingone or more of the first through fourth examples of the method, furtherincludes wherein the composition is one of a first composition whereinthe spray mist comprises a first spray mist, a second compositionwherein the spray mist comprises a second spray mist and a thirdcomposition wherein the spray mist comprises a third spray mist, andwherein the first composition mimics an aqueous layer of a tear film,wherein the second composition mimics an oil layer of the tear film, andwherein the third composition mimics an adhesive layer of the tear film.A sixth example of the method, optionally including one or more of thefirst through fifth examples of the method, further includes whereinapplying the spray mist further comprises sequentially applying thefirst spray mist followed by the second spray mist. A seventh example ofthe method, optionally including one or more of the first through sixthexamples of the method, further includes wherein applying the spray mistfurther comprises sequentially applying the third spray mist, followedby the first spray mist, which is then followed by the second spraymist.

In another example, a method for treating dry eye syndrome comprisesreceiving, via a controller of an atomizer, instructions pertaining toatomizing one of a first composition into a first spray mist, a secondcomposition into a second spray mist and a third composition into athird spray mist, routing one of the first composition, the secondcomposition and the third composition into a process chamber of theatomizer based on the instructions, commanding, based on theinstructions, a speed of a motor of an air pump to route an air flowinto the process chamber, and where air and one of the firstcomposition, the second composition and the third composition exit theprocess chamber as one of the first spray mist, the second spray mistand the third spray mist, respectively, for application to a cornea of auser of the atomizer. In a first example of the method, the methodfurther includes wherein the instructions pertaining to atomizing one ofthe first composition, the second composition and the third compositionare received at the controller from a customization applicationcommunicatively coupled to the controller. A second example of themethod, optionally including the first example of the method, furtherincludes wherein the first composition is stored in a first compositionchamber of the atomizer, wherein the second composition is stored in asecond composition chamber of the atomizer, and wherein the thirdcomposition is stored in a third composition chamber of the atomizer,and wherein routing one of the first composition, the second compositionand the third composition includes commanding open a first valve tofluidically couple the first composition chamber to the process chamber,commanding open a second valve to fluidically couple the secondcomposition chamber to the process chamber and commanding open a thirdvalve to fluidically couple the third composition chamber to the processchamber, respectively. A third example of the method, optionallyincluding one or both of the first and second examples of the method,further includes wherein commanding the speed of the motor furthercomprises commanding the motor to a first speed for atomizing the firstcomposition, commanding the motor to the second speed for atomizing thesecond composition, and commanding the motor to the third speed foratomizing the third composition. A fourth example of the method,optionally including one or more of the first through third examples ofthe method, further includes wherein air and one of the firstcomposition, the second composition and the third composition exit theprocess chamber via a nozzle, where a radius of the nozzle isadjustable, and wherein the controller further receives instructions foradjusting the radius of the nozzle as a function of the firstcomposition, the second composition and the third composition. A fifthexample of the method, optionally including one or more of the firstthrough fourth examples of the method, further includes wherein theinstructions for routing one of the first composition, the secondcomposition and the third composition to the process chamber furthercomprise instructions for routing an amount of one of the firstcomposition, the second composition and the third composition. A sixthexample of the method, optionally including one or more of the firstthrough fifth examples of the method, further includes wherein the firstcomposition includes water and electrolytes, wherein the secondcomposition includes one of phospholipids, cholesterols, cholesterolesters, triglycerides, castor oil, mineral oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil,unsaturated lipids, hyaluronic acid, soy oil, petrolatum, waxes,anhydrous lanolin, lanolin, oleaginous ingredients, liposomes,ophthalmic emollients, demulcents, and synthetic materials, and whereinthe third composition includes mucin or mucin-like proteins or moleculesthat include a cytoplasmic domain, a membrane-spanning domain, and anextracellular domain. A seventh example of the method, optionallyincluding one or more of the first through sixth examples of the method,further includes wherein the instructions pertaining to atomizing one ofthe first composition, the second composition and the third compositionfurther comprise instructions related to an order in which the firstcomposition, the second composition and the third composition areatomized into the first spray mist, the second spray mist and the thirdspray mist, respectively.

In another example, an atomizer system for applying a spray mist to acornea or skin comprises a remote computing device implementing acustomization application, an atomizer that includes a plurality ofcomposition chambers, an air pump operable via a motor, a processchamber that receives a composition from one of the plurality ofcomposition chambers at a time and an air flow from the air pump, anozzle that receives a mixture of the composition and the air flow forgenerating the spray mist, and a controller of the atomizer thatreceives a set of instructions for applying the spray mist from thecustomization application. In a first example of the atomizer system,the atomizer system further includes wherein the set of instructionsinclude instructions for controlling one or more of a radius of thenozzle and a rate of the air flow provided to the process chamber. Asecond example of the atomizer system, optionally including the firstexample of the atomizer system, further includes wherein the set ofinstructions pertain to one or more of a desired amount of thecomposition to be applied, a desired sequence of application ofcompositions stored in the plurality of composition chambers, a desireddroplet size of the spray mist, and a desired duration of application ofthe spray mist. A third example of the atomizer system, optionallyincluding one or both of the first and second examples of the atomizersystem, further includes wherein each of the plurality of compositionchambers include a corresponding valve, and wherein the controllercontrols the corresponding valve based on the set of instructions.

In another example, an atomizer for administering a spray mist to acornea or skin comprises a removable head module that includes acomposition chamber and a process chamber, the process chamberfluidically coupled to the composition chamber via a compositionpassage, a body module that includes an air pump and a motor of the airpump for supplying air to the process chamber via an air passage, aneedle valve assembly including a needle and a nozzle, the needle valveassembly included in the process chamber, and a controller included inthe body module storing instructions for adjusting a speed of the motoras a function of a viscosity of a composition included in thecomposition chamber. In a first example of the atomizer, the atomizermay further comprise a rechargeable battery included within the bodymodule for providing power to the motor. A second example of theatomizer, optionally including the first example of the atomizer,further comprises an atomization actuator coupled to the removable headmodule for actuating on the motor and unseating the needle from a fullyseated position in the nozzle, where the spray mist exits the nozzlewhen the motor is activated and the needle is unseated. A third exampleof the atomizer, optionally including one or both of the first andsecond examples of the atomizer, further includes wherein the controllerreceives instructions for adjusting the speed of the motor from acustomization application.

In another example, an atomizer for administering a spray mist to acornea or skin comprises a composition cavity included in a head moduleof the atomizer, wherein the composition cavity includes a firstcomposition chamber having a first valve, a second composition chamberhaving a second valve, and a third composition chamber having a thirdvalve, a process chamber included in the head module that independentlyreceives a first composition from the first composition compartment whenthe first valve is open, a second composition from the secondcomposition compartment when the second valve is open, and a thirdcomposition from the third composition compartment when the third valveis open, a body module mechanically coupled to the head module, the bodymodule including an air pump operable via a motor for supplying an airflow to the process chamber, and a nozzle fluidically coupled to theprocess chamber where one of the first composition, the secondcomposition, and the third composition respectively exits the atomizeras one of a first spray mist, a second spray mist, and a third spraymist. In a first example of the atomizer, the atomizer further includeswhere the head module includes a first atomization actuator, a secondatomization actuator, and a third atomization actuator, where actuationof the first atomization actuator activates the motor and opens thefirst valve that induces the first composition to flow into the processchamber, where actuation of the second atomization actuator activatesthe motor and opens the second valve that induces the second compositionto flow into the process chamber, and where actuation of the thirdatomization actuator activates the motor and opens the third valve thatinduces the third composition to flow into the process chamber. A secondexample of the atomizer, optionally including the first example of theatomizer, further includes wherein the first valve comprises a firstplunger extending through the first composition compartment that, whenthe first atomization actuator is actuated, results in displacement ofthe first plunger to fluidically couple the first compositioncompartment to the process chamber, wherein the second valve comprises asecond plunger extending through the second composition compartmentthat, when the second atomization actuator is actuated, results indisplacement of the second plunger to fluidically couple the secondcomposition compartment to the process chamber, and wherein the thirdvalve comprises a third plunger extending through the third compositioncompartment that, when the third atomization actuator is actuated,results in displacement of the third plunger to fluidically couple thethird composition compartment to the process chamber. A third example ofthe atomizer, optionally including one or both of the first and secondexamples of the atomizer, further comprises a link rod that extends fromthe head module to the body module, a printed circuit board positionedin the body module, and where actuation of one of the first atomizationactuator, the second atomization actuator, and the third atomizationactuator induces movement of the link rod to mechanically couple thelink rod to the printed circuit board that in turn activates the motorof the air pump to provide the air flow to the process chamber. A fourthexample of the atomizer, optionally including one or more of the firstthrough third examples of the atomizer, further includes wherein aradius of the nozzle are adjustable. A fifth example of the atomizer,optionally including one or more of the first through fourth examples ofthe atomizer, further includes where a speed of the motor is adjustable.

In another example, an atomizer for administering a spray mist onto acornea or skin comprises a head module, a body module positioned belowthe head module with respect to a vertical axis of the atomizer, thebody module removably coupled to the head module, a composition chamberincluded in the head module, a process chamber included in the headmodule, the process chamber positioned below the composition chamberwith respect to the vertical axis, the process chamber fluidicallycoupled to the composition chamber via a composition passage, an airpump with a motor positioned in the body module, where the air pump isfluidically coupled to the process chamber via an air passage of theprocess chamber that extends along the vertical axis from the headmodule to the body module, a needle valve assembly included in theprocess chamber, the needle valve assembly including a needle and anozzle with an orifice, the orifice positioned at a front frame of thehead module and where the needle valve assembly extends along afront-to-back axis of the atomizer perpendicular to the vertical axis, aneedle valve cover mechanically coupled to the needle, and a firstspring connected to the needle valve cover that biases the needle to afully seated position in the nozzle, an atomization actuator, a link rodextending along the vertical axis from the head module to the bodymodule, the link rod selectively mechanically coupled to the atomizationactuator, a hinged connector with a connecting element positioned alongthe front-to-back axis of the atomizer that fits into a link rod grooveof the link rod, where movement of the link rod in a downward directionwith respect to the vertical axis rotationally mechanically engages thehinged connector with the needle valve cover to compress the firstspring and unseat the needle from the fully seated position in thenozzle, a printed circuit board included in the body module, wherein thedownward direction of movement of the link rod mechanically engages thelink rod with the printed circuit board to activate the motor to producean air flow to the process chamber, and wherein a composition stored inthe composition chamber flows through the process chamber and exits theorifice as the spray mist when the needle is unseated from the fullyseated position while the motor is activated. In a first example of theatomizer, the atomizer further comprises a rechargeable battery includedin the body module for providing power to the motor, the rechargeablebattery positioned below the motor with respect to the vertical axis, acharging circuit board included behind the battery with respect to thefront-to-back axis of the atomizer, a charging port for selectivelycoupling an external power source to the charging circuit board, thecharging port included on a back face of the body module, and a charginglight source electrically coupled to the charging circuit board andincluded on the back face of the body module above the charging portwith respect to the vertical axis to indicate a charging status of therechargeable battery. A second example of the atomizer, optionallyincluding the first example of the atomizer, further comprises a powerlight source positioned on a front face of the body module that isilluminated in response to activation of the motor. A third example ofthe atomizer, optionally including one or both of the first and secondexamples of the atomizer, further comprises a first lid for thecomposition chamber that sealingly engages with an upper compartment ofthe composition chamber, and a second lid for the composition chamberthat includes one or more male connectors extending from a bottom faceof the second lid that sealingly engage with one or more femaleconnectors associated with a top face of the first lid. A fourth exampleof the atomizer, optionally including one or more of the first throughthird examples of the atomizer, further includes wherein the first lidis composed of silicone. A fifth example of the atomizer, optionallyincluding one or more of the first through fourth examples of theatomizer, further includes wherein the needle valve cover includes afirst prong and a second prong, where the first prong and the secondprong slidingly engage along the front-to-back axis with a first grooveand a second groove, respectively, included on the process chamber, thefirst groove positioned on a first outer face of the process chamber andthe second groove positioned on a second outer face of the processchamber. A sixth example of the atomizer, optionally including one ormore of the first through fifth examples of the atomizer, furtherincludes wherein the hinged connector includes a first fin and a secondfin that extend along the vertical axis, and wherein engaging the hingedconnector with the needle valve cover further comprises the first fin ofthe hinged connector contacting the first prong of the needle valvecover and the second fin of the hinged connector contacting the secondprong of the needle valve cover. A seventh example of the atomizer,optionally including one or more of the first through sixth examples ofthe atomizer, further includes wherein the process chamber is surroundedby a body frame that includes two female acceptor elements for receivingtwo pins extending from the hinged connector. A eighth example of theatomizer, optionally including one or more of the first through seventhexamples of the atomizer, further includes wherein a speed range of themotor is from 100 revolutions per minute to 110,000 revolutions perminute. A ninth example of the atomizer, optionally including one ormore of the first through eighth examples of the atomizer, furthercomprises a first mechanical fastener and a second mechanical fastenercoupled to a head casing of the head module, and a first mechanicalfastener receiving element and a second mechanical fastener receivingelement each positioned on a top face of the body module, whereinsertion of the first mechanical fastener into the first mechanicalfastener receiving element and insertion of the second mechanicalfastener into the second mechanical fastener receiving elementmechanically couples the head module to the body module, and wherein thefirst mechanical fastener and the second mechanical fastener are biasedto a first locked position and a second locked position, respectively,via a second spring and a third spring, and wherein compression of thesecond spring and the third spring disengages or releases the firstmechanical fastener and the second mechanical fastener from the firstmechanical fastener receiving element and the second mechanical fastenerreceiving element, respectively.

FIGS. 2-7B and 12A-16 show example configurations with relativepositioning of the various components described herein. If showndirectly contacting each other, or directly coupled, then such elementsmay be referred to as directly contacting or directly coupled,respectively, at least in one example. Similarly, elements showncontiguous or adjacent to one another may be contiguous or adjacent toeach other, respectively, at least in one example. As an example,components laying in face-sharing contact with each other may bereferred to as in face-sharing contact. As another example, elementspositioned apart from each other with only a space there-between and noother components may be referred to as such, in at least one example. Asyet another example, elements shown above/below one another, at oppositesides to one another, or to the left/right of one another may bereferred to as such, relative to one another. Further, as shown in thefigures, a topmost element or point of element may be referred to as a“top” of the component and a bottommost element or point of the elementmay be referred to as a “bottom” of the component, in at least oneexample. As used herein, top/bottom, upper/lower, above/below, may berelative to a vertical axis of the figures and used to describepositioning of elements of the figures relative to one another. As such,elements shown above other elements are positioned vertically above theother elements, in one example. As yet another example, shapes of theelements depicted within the figures may be referred to as having thoseshapes (e.g., such as being circular, straight, planar, curved, rounded,chamfered, angled, or the like). Further, elements shown intersectingone another may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersectingone another, in at least one example. Further still, an element shownwithin another element or shown outside of another element may bereferred as such, in one example.

In some embodiments, the methods and apparatus described in variousexamples above are utilized to implement and/or supplement the methodand apparatus disclosed below. In some embodiments, it is recognizedthat the lipid layer of the artificial tear film plays a vital role inpreventing evaporation of moisture from the eyes, and in someembodiments, applying the lipid layer alone or applying a lipid layerwith an aqueous layer (e.g., lipid layer applied over aqueous layer, orirrespective of the order of application, etc.) are effective inimproving the dry eye condition.

In some embodiments, in addition to the order by which the compositionscorresponding to different layers of the artificial tear film areapplied to the eye, dispensing volumes of the compositions correspondingto the different layers of the artificial tear film also play animportant role in the effectiveness of the resulting artificial tearfilm. Specifically, a smaller dispensing volume achieved by evenapplication of a mist of small average droplet size have more superiorperformance compared to a few large liquid drops from a dropper-typedispenser. Contrary to conventional logic, a larger quantity ofartificial tear liquid, and/or a mixture of compositions correspondingto multiple artificial tear layers, applied to the eye perform morepoorly compared to applying only a smaller quantity of liquid that iscommensurate with the natural tear volume in the eye and/or applicationof only the composition of the lipid layer on the cornea surface. Thefollowing method focus on the advantages of small volume lipid layerformula application that effectively slows down tear evaporation.

In general, average tear volume is about 7 ul, with a range from 3 ulsto 10 uls. The aqueous layer takes up about 80% of the tear volume,while the lipid layer takes up about 3-4% of the total tear volume whichamounts to less than 0.03 ul on average. With conventional eye droppers,the glass or plastic dropper tubes deliver drops with a volume thatranges from 25 μL to 75 L (e.g., on average a 40 μL drop size). It isdifficult to control the drop size below 25 μL using conventional eyedroppers, and as a result, much of the ophthalmic liquid deposited onthe eye exits the eye when the patient blinks. In contrast, using adispenser with a sprayer to deliver an ophthalmic solution is moreeffective in delivering a smaller volume of liquid. The solution can bedelivered to the eye surface as micro droplets achieving a dispensingvolume range from 0.01 ul-20 ul. Even with eye dropper type dispensers,by reducing the dispensing opening or increasing dispensing pressure,etc., to reduce the droplet size to about 1 ul-10 ul, the resultingapplication will be more effective than that achieved using conventionaleye droppers. In some embodiments, a lipid-only or lipid-dominantcomposition (e.g., a mixture of non-aqueous liquids and optionally somegases, without any water or with less than 5% water) is used instead ofa mixture containing compositions corresponding to both the lipid layerand the aqueous layer. A dispenser configured to dispense a total volumeof 0.05 ul to 1 ul of the lipid-only or lipid dominant composition,which results in a lipid layer that much more closely match the lipidpresence in human tears.

It is also emphasized that the high oil concentration in the lipid layerformula is important regardless of whether a complete layer is formed onthe surface of the eye or not. Currently, oil-based ointments andoil-based emulsions are available on the market. Ointments contains highoil ingredients but are in gel form. It's typically used at night due toits greasiness and opaqueness. It is quite uncomfortable andinconvenient for the patient to apply the gel and endure the loss ofclear vision. This is especially difficult for pediatric use, becausechildren cannot tolerate the discomfort and will rub the eye to removethe greasy composition. As disclosed herein, the lipid formula that canbe dispensed using a dropper type dispenser with reduced droplet size ora mist-generation dispenser has a very high percentage of oilingredients (e.g., 95-100%, or 100%) and is in liquid form (e.g., asopposed to gel form). In some embodiments, the composition includes 50%mineral oil and 50% light mineral oil; or 45% mineral oil, 50% lightmineral oil, and 5% white petroleum. The viscosity of the lipid layerformula can be ranged from 5 cp to 50 cp by varying the percentage ofmineral oil, light mineral oil, and white petroleum. The resulting lipidlayer formula is transparent, non-greasy, and non-water-soluable, andcan be effective for 4-12 hours on the eye surface to slow down tearevaporation.

In some embodiments, the oil-based lipid formula will spread conformallyon the eye surface (e.g., directly on the exterior surface of thecornea, over the natural tear film on the exterior of the cornea, overan aqueous layer of an artificial tear film, over conventionalartificial tear film formed by an artificial tear mixture (e.g., amixture of ingredients of mucin, aqueous, and lipid layers of naturaltear) deposited using a conventional dropper, etc.) and form a thinlayer with thickness ranging from 10 nm to 10 um.

In some embodiments, a method for delivering the one or more film layersthat mimic layers of tear film to an eye is described herein. The methodoptionally utilizes the dispensing systems described herein, though itmay be understood that similar methods may be applied to other systemswithout departing from the scope of this disclosure. In someembodiments, certain steps may be conducted via a user of the dispensingsystems while other steps may include instructions received from thecustomization application. In some embodiments, steps that arecontrolled via such instructions are optionally carried out via acontroller, and may be stored at the controller (e.g., a controllerimplemented by one or more micro-computer processors) as executableinstructions in non-transitory memory. Instructions for carrying out themethod may be executed by the controller based on instructions stored ona memory (e.g., 804) and optionally in conjunction with instructionsreceived from a remote computing device running a customizationapplication for use with the dispenser. In some embodiments, thecontroller may employ one or more actuators to adjust operations of oneor more elements described herein. More specifically, the controller maycontrol open and closed positions of valve(s) (e.g., 41) for eachcomposition chamber, may control a radius of the nozzle (e.g., 30), andmay control a speed of the motor (e.g., 6) of the air pump (e.g., 5),for example.

In some embodiments, a method of treating dry eye includes applying oneor more distinct compositions (e.g., mixtures of ingredients thatcorrespond to different layers of natural tear, or artificial tear,medication, etc.) to a surface that corresponds to a cornea of an eye(e.g., exterior surface of the eye ball, interior surface of a contactlens, exterior surface of a contact lens, etc.). In some embodiments,applying the one or more distinct compositions includes generating andpropelling (e.g., generating droplets from a liquid and forcing thedroplets to move into a preset general direction) a respective mist of afirst composition (e.g., the lipid layer formula, a mixture of oils, amixture of non-aqueous liquids, etc.) of the one or more compositionstoward the surface that corresponds to the cornea of the eye, whereinthe first composition consists one or more non-aqueous substances (e.g.,oils, a pre-established composition with oil-based ingredients havingpreset proportions, etc., without any water, or with less than 5% ofwater or aqueous solutions, etc.), wherein the respective mist (e.g.,micro-droplets of liquid, oil droplets, etc.), including droplets of theone or more non-aqueous substances, after reaching the surface thatcorresponds to the cornea of the eye, forms a first film layer thatcorresponds to a lipid layer of an artificial tear film (e.g., acomplete film layer, or patches of an oil film distributed over thesurface of the cornea, etc.). In some embodiments, the first compositionis deposited over the cornea of the eye directly without firstdepositing another liquid or gel composition immediately prior to thefirst composition. In some embodiments, the first composition isdeposited over a layer of artificial tear composition (e.g., artificialtear deposited using a dropper dispenser, a layer of aqueous solution,etc.). In some embodiments, the first composition is deposited using oneof the dispensers that atomize or nebulize the first composition, asdescribed in the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, a controller of the dispenser or a user of thedispenser controls the dispenser of the first composition such that adispensing volume of the first composition is within a range of 0.01-20microliters per application during normal operation. In someembodiments, the dispenser has a structure and/or configuration (e.g.,nozzle size, nozzle shape, nozzle count, dispensing pressure, dispensingspeed, actuation force/speed/frequency, liquid chamber size/shape, etc.)that controls the dispensing volume of the first composition to bewithin the range of 0.01-20 microliters per spray/actuation/activation,etc. In some embodiments, the dispenser is optionally activated multipletimes to achieve the required dispensing volume. In some embodiments,the dispenser is configured to prevent repeated activations within athreshold amount of time to exceed the preset range for the dispensingvolume. In some embodiments, warning is presented by the dispenser whena preset number of repeated activation is being approached or exceededto avoid excessive amount of the first composition being deposited perapplication. In some embodiments, a controller is used to controlvarious parameters of the dispenser such that the dispending volume peractivation of the dispenser is controlled to be within the preset range.

In some embodiments, the dispenser of the first composition iscontrolled (e.g., by the structure of the dispenser, but the user,and/or by the controller, etc.) such that a dispensing volume of thefirst composition is within a range of 0.01-10 microliters perapplication during normal operation (e.g., per activation of thedispenser, per use of the dispenser with a preset number of activationswithin a threshold amount of time, etc.).

In some embodiments, one or more parameters (e.g., nozzle size, nozzleshape, nozzle count, dispensing pressure, dispensing speed, actuationforce/speed/frequency, liquid chamber size/shape, dispensing volume,etc.) of the dispenser of the first composition is controlled (e.g., bythe structure of the dispenser, but the user, and/or by the controller,etc.) such that the first film layer of the one or more non-aqueoussubstance has a thickness within a range of 10 nm-200 nm on the surfacethat corresponds to the cornea of the eye.

In some embodiments the dispenser of the first composition is controlled(e.g., by the structure of the dispenser, but the user, and/or by thecontroller, etc.) such that an average droplet size of the respectivemist of the first composition is within a range of 0.01 microliters-2microliters. In some embodiments, the dispensing volume can be 0.1-20microliter for each spray, with average droplet size with the range of0.01 microliters to 2 microliters. In some embodiments, at a presetspray distance of between 1 cm to 20 cm, the spray area is about 2 cm×2cm or greater. In embodiments, the layer thickness for the lipid layerranges between 10 nm to 200 nm using a spray-type dispenser. In someembodiments, the layer thickness for the aqueous layer ranges between 3um to 20 um using the spray-type dispenser. In some embodiments, thelayer thickness for the mucin layer ranges between 10 um to 30 um usingthe spray-type dispenser or a dropper-type dispenser. In someembodiments, the spray area corresponds to average eye area (e.g., 2cm×2 cm, or larger), and the corresponding dispensing volume is 0.02microliter-60 microliter total. In some embodiments, the dispensingvolume of each spray is a smaller range such as 0.01 microliter to 10microliter. A large volume can be achieved by multiple/repeatedactivation/actuations of the dispenser.

In some embodiments, the one or more non-aqueous substances, whencombined in the first composition, is a liquid with a viscosity in therange of 5 centipoises to 50 centipoises. In some embodiments, the firstcomposition is disposed into a chamber of the dispenser premixed, or ismixed within the chamber close to the time of use. In some embodiments,the first composition includes 95%-100% oils that are not water-soluble.In some embodiments, the first composition includes one or moreingredients from the list of emollient drug products for ophthalmicdrugs published in Title 21-Food and Drugs, Chapter I—Food and DrugAdministration Department of Health and Human Services SubchapterD—Drugs for Human use, Part 349 Ophthalmic Drug Products forOver-The-Counter Human Use, which is incorporated herein by itsentirety, as is and as may be updated from time to time during thependency of this patent. In some embodiments, the first compositionincludes one or more ingredients from: a) Lanolin preparations: (1)Anhydrous lanolin, 1 to 10 percent in combination with one or moreoleaginous emollient agents included in the monograph; and/or (2)Lanolin, 1 to 10 percent in combination with one or more oleaginousemollient agents included in the monograph; and/or (b) Oleaginousingredients: (1) Light mineral oil, up to 50 percent in combination withone or more other emollient agents included in the monograph; (2)Mineral oil, up to 50 percent in combination with one or more otheremollient agents included in the monograph; (3) Paraffin, up to 5percent in combination with one or more other emollient agents includedin the monograph; (4) Petrolatum, up to 100 percent; (5) White ointment,up to 100 percent; (6) White petrolatum, up to 100 percent; (7) Whitewax, up to 5 percent in combination with one or more other emollientagents included in the monograph; and/or (8) Yellow wax, up to 5 percentin combination with one or more other emollient agents included in themonograph.

In some embodiments, the surface that corresponds to the cornea of theeye is an exterior surface of the cornea and the mist is directlydeposited onto the exterior surface of the cornea without first applyingother liquid or gels. In some embodiments, the surface that correspondsto the cornea of the eye is an exterior surface of an aqueous layer thathas been deposited on the exterior surface of the cornea and the mist isdeposited onto the exterior surface of the aqueous layer. In someembodiments, the first composition quickly spreads over and conforms tothe surface shape of the aqueous layer or the shape of the corneawithout mixing with the aqueous layer or the natural tear on the cornea.

In some embodiments, the first composition has a refractive index in therange of 1.46-1.64 that more closely corresponds to a refractive indexof the lipid layer of natural tear than to an aqueous layer of thenatural tear (e.g., natural tear with refractive index of 1.33). In someembodiments, the first composition has a refractive index in the rangeof 1.25-1.4 that more closely corresponds to a refractive index of thecornea than an aqueous layer of natural tear does.

In some embodiments, the first composition has a surface tension in therange of 10-100 mN/m that, when deposited over an aqueous layer (e.g.,the aqueous layer of the artificial tear film that has been depositedusing the same dispenser or another dispenser, the aqueous layer of thenatural tear with incomplete or insufficient natural lipid layer, etc.),spreads over the aqueous layer in within a time window ranging 1-20seconds.

In some embodiments, applying the one or more distinct compositions tothe surface that corresponds to the cornea of the eye includes: prior togenerating and propelling the respective mist of the first compositionof the one or more compositions toward the surface that corresponds tothe cornea of the eye, applying (e.g., using the same dispenserconnected to a different fluid chamber, using a different dispenser,etc.) a second composition that includes one or more aqueous substances(e.g., without any non-aqueous ingredients, without oils, or ingredientscorresponding to the lipid layer of the artificial tear film, etc.) tothe surface that corresponds to the cornea of the eye (e.g., directly onthe exterior surface of the cornea (e.g., over a natural tear film) orover an artificial mucin layer, etc.), wherein the one or more aqueoussubstance form a second film layer that corresponds to an aqueous layerof the artificial tear film, and wherein the respective mist is appliedto the second film layer when propelled toward the surface thatcorresponds to the cornea of the eye (e.g., the artificial lipid layeris deposited over the artificial aqueous layer and expands to coat theaqueous layer due to surface tension difference and non-mixing betweenthe first composition and the second composition).

In some embodiments, the one or more dispensers of the first compositionand the second composition are controlled (e.g., by their respectivestructures, by the user, and/or by the controller, etc.) such thatrespective quantities of the first composition and the secondcomposition that are dispensed per application (e.g., per respectivespray of the first composition and the second composition, per presetcombination of preset numbers of sprays of the first composition and thesecond composition, etc.) correspond to a preset ratio between the firstcomposition and the second composition (e.g., ratio corresponding tonatural ratio of aqueous volume and lipid volume in natural tear). Insome embodiments, the ratio is controls by varying the relative numbersof sprays for the first composition and the second composition. In someembodiments the ratio is controlled by varying the nozzle sizes and/orspray speed used for dispensing the first composition and the secondcomposition. In some embodiments, applying the one or more distinctcompositions to the surface that corresponds to the cornea of the eyeincludes: prior to applying the second composition that includes the oneor more aqueous substances to the surface that corresponds to the corneaof the eye, applying a third composition to the surface that correspondsto the cornea of the eye to form a mucin layer of the artificial tearfilm. In some embodiments, the first composition and the secondcomposition are applied using a single device that dispenses the firstand second compositions using respective dispensing apparatus withdistinct dispensing parameters corresponding to the first and secondcompositions. In some embodiments, the third composition is also appliedusing the same device. In some embodiments, the principles andmechanisms used for varying the ratio of the dispensing volumes for thefirst composition and the second composition also apply to the thirdcomposition. In some embodiments, the third composition is applied usinga different dispenser as the dispensing volume tolerance is largercompared to the second and first compositions.

The method of claim 1, wherein the first composition comprises one ormore of phospholipids, cholesterols, cholesterol esters, triglycerides,castor oil, mineral oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, unsaturated lipids,hyaluronic acid, soy oil, petrolatum, waxes, anhydrous lanolin, lanolin,oleaginous ingredients, liposomes, ophthalmic emollients, demulcents,and synthetic oils. In some embodiments, the first composition includesno water.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for treating dry eye is disclosed. Theapparatus optionally includes any of the apparatuses disclosed hereinand/or implements the methods described herein with or withoutmodifications. In some embodiments, characteristics of the apparatus aredescribed with respect to various methods disclosed herein and are notrepeated in the interest of brevity. In some embodiments, the apparatusincludes one or more composition chambers, including a first compositionchamber containing a first composition, wherein the first compositionincludes one or more non-aqueous substances (e.g., oils,non-water-soluble ingredients, etc.); and an air pump (or equivalents)that is fluidly connected to the one or more composition chambers andthat is configured to apply one or more distinct compositions to asurface that corresponds to a cornea of an eye, wherein: the air pump(or equivalents) is configured to generate and propel a respective mistof the first composition toward the surface that corresponds to thecornea of the eye during activation, wherein the respective mist,including droplets of the one or more non-aqueous substances, afterreaching the surface that corresponds to the cornea of the eye, forms afirst film layer that corresponds to a lipid layer of an artificial tearfilm. In some embodiments, the air pump includes vibrating componentsthat generates and propel the mist, and may not require air to propelthe mist. In some embodiments, the air pump is configured to dispensethe first composition with a dispensing volume that is within a range of0.01-20 microliters per application during normal operation of theapparatus. In some embodiments, the air pump is configured to dispensethe first composition with a dispensing volume that is within a range of0.01-10 microliters per application during normal operation. In someembodiments, the air pump is configured to operate with one or moreadjustable parameters such that the first film layer of the one or morenon-aqueous substance has a thickness within a range of 10 nm-200 nm onthe surface that corresponds to the cornea of the eye. In someembodiments, the air pump is configured to dispense the firstcomposition with an average droplet size in the respective mist of thefirst composition that is within a range of 0.01-2 microliters. In someembodiments, the one or more non-aqueous substances when combined in thefirst composition, is a liquid with a viscosity in the range of 5centipoises to 50 centipoises. In some embodiments, the firstcomposition includes 95%-100% oils that are not water-soluble. In someembodiments, the surface that corresponds to the cornea of the eye is anexterior surface of the cornea. In some embodiments, the firstcomposition has a refractive index in the range of 1.25-1.4 that moreclosely corresponds to a refractive index of the cornea than an aqueouslayer of natural tear does. In some embodiments, the air pump isconfigured to, prior to generating and propelling the respective mist ofthe first composition of the one or more compositions toward the surfacethat corresponds to the cornea of the eye, apply a second compositionthat includes one or more aqueous substances to the surface thatcorresponds to the cornea of the eye, wherein the one or more aqueoussubstance form a second film layer that corresponds to an aqueous layerof the artificial tear film, and wherein the respective mist is appliedto the second film layer when propelled toward the surface thatcorresponds to the cornea of the eye. In some embodiments, the air pumpis configured to dispense the first composition and the secondcomposition with a combined volume of the first composition and thesecond composition that is dispensed to the surface that corresponds tothe cornea of the eye not exceeding 60 microliters per applicationduring normal operation. In some embodiments, the air pump is configuredto dispense the first composition and the second composition such thatrespective quantities of the first composition and the secondcomposition that are dispensed per application correspond to a presetratio between the first composition and the second composition. In someembodiments, the air pump is configured to, prior to applying the secondcomposition that includes the one or more aqueous substances to thesurface that corresponds to the cornea of the eye, apply a thirdcomposition to the surface that corresponds to the cornea of the eye toform a mucin layer of the artificial tear film. In some embodiments, theapparatus dispenses the first composition and the second compositionusing the air pump with distinct dispensing parameters corresponding tothe first and second compositions. In some embodiments, the firstcomposition comprises one or more of phospholipids, cholesterols,cholesterol esters, triglycerides, castor oil, mineral oil, fish oil,flaxseed oil, unsaturated lipids, hyaluronic acid, soy oil, petrolatum,waxes, anhydrous lanolin, lanolin, oleaginous ingredients, liposomes,ophthalmic emollients, demulcents, and synthetic oils. Other features ofthe apparatus are described throughout the disclosure and are notrepeated herein.

The following claims particularly point out certain combinations andsub-combinations regarded as novel and non-obvious. These claims mayrefer to “an” element or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof.Such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or moresuch elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more suchelements. Other combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosedfeatures, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed throughamendment of the present claims or through presentation of new claims inthis or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower,equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regardedas included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating dry eye, comprising:sequentially depositing two or more distinct compositions, including afirst composition that includes 95%-100% volume of one or more aqueoussubstances and a second composition that includes 95%-100% volume of oneor more non-aqueous substances, to a surface that corresponds to acornea of an eye, including: generating a first mist of the firstcomposition by atomizing the first composition; propelling the firstmist toward the surface that corresponds to the cornea of the eye; afterpropelling the first mist, generating a second mist of the secondcomposition by atomizing the second composition; and propelling thesecond mist toward the surface that corresponds to the cornea of theeye, wherein: the first mist, including droplets of the one or moreaqueous substances, after reaching the surface that corresponds to thecornea of the eye, forms a first film layer that corresponds to anaqueous layer of an artificial tear film; the second mist has a volumewithin a range of 0.1-3 microliters; and the second mist, includingdroplets of the one or more non-aqueous substances, after reaching thesurface that corresponds to the cornea of the eye, forms a second filmlayer that corresponds to a lipid layer of an artificial tear film witha thickness within a range of 10 nm-200 nm.
 2. The method of claim 1,including: controlling a dispenser of the second composition such that adispensing volume of the second composition is within the range of 0.1-3microliters per application during normal operation.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, including: controlling a dispenser of the second compositionsuch that an average droplet size of the respective mist of the secondcomposition is within a range of 0.01-2 microliters.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more non-aqueous substances when combined inthe second composition, is a liquid with a viscosity in the range of 5centipoises to 50 centipoises.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thesecond composition includes 95%-100% volume of oils that are notwater-soluble.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the surface thatcorresponds to the cornea of the eye is an exterior surface of thecornea.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the second composition has arefractive index in the range of 1.46-1.64 that more closely correspondsto a refractive index of the lipid layer of natural tear than an aqueouslayer of the natural tear.
 8. The method of claim 1, where the secondcomposition has a surface tension in the range of 10 mN/m-100 mN/m that,when deposited over the aqueous layer, spreads over the aqueous layer inwithin a time window ranging 1-20 seconds.
 9. The method of claim 1,including: controlling one or more dispensers of the first compositionand the second composition such that respective quantities of the firstcomposition and the second composition that are dispensed perapplication correspond to a preset ratio between the first compositionand the second composition.
 10. The method of claim 1, whereinsequentially depositing the two or more distinct compositions to thesurface that corresponds to the cornea of the eye includes: prior togenerating the first mist: generating a third mist of a thirdcomposition by atomizing the third composition; and propelling the thirdmist to the surface that corresponds to the cornea of the eye to form amucin layer of the artificial tear film.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein the first composition and the second composition are appliedusing a single device that dispenses the first and second compositionsusing respective dispensing apparatus with distinct dispensingparameters corresponding to the first and second compositions.
 12. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the second composition comprises one or moreof phospholipids, cholesterols, cholesterol esters, triglycerides,castor oil, mineral oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, unsaturated lipids,hyaluronic acid, soy oil, petrolatum, waxes, anhydrous lanolin, lanolin,oleaginous ingredients, liposomes, ophthalmic emollients, demulcents,and synthetic oils.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the secondcomposition consists of 100% volume of the one or more non-aqueoussubstances.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first compositionconsists of 100% volume of the one or more aqueous substances.